Mr Aaron Harper MP

Spoke as committee chair in support of the bill, emphasising the serious public health crisis posed by vaping, the links to organised crime in illegal vape shops, and the impact on youth health.

“There is no doubt in my mind that strong criminal links exist in these illegal pop-up shops that are putting the lives of millions of our youth at risk by selling and supplying their nicotine-laden products.”— 2024-09-11View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, particularly the amendment to youth justice principle 18 to prioritise community safety. Argued that sentencing should meet community expectations and that there must be consequences for actions by offenders.

“I want to get on with the main element of this bill—and it is one that I fully support. Clause 132 of the bill inserts a new principle 18 in the Youth Justice Act.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard