Senator NASH (New South Wales—Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Local Government and Territories and Minister for Regional Communications) (14:39): I thank the senator for his question and for some advance notice of it. Tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable death and disability in Australia, with smoking estimated to kill almost 19,000 Australians a year and with a total annual cost to the nation of $31½ billion. This government remains committed to tobacco plain packaging as a legitimate public health measure that is consistent with Australia's international legal obligations. Such a measure has contributed to reducing the smoking rates substantially over the past decade. Despite a slowing in the decline in smoking prevalence rates— The PRESIDENT: A point of order, Senator Leyonhjelm? Senator Leyonhjelm: Yes, Mr President, a point of order just in relation to accuracy. I just quoted some data which contradicts what the minister has just said. The PRESIDENT: That is a debating point, Senator Leyonhjelm; it's not a point of order. Senator NASH: I am referring to advice received. Despite a slowing in the decline in smoking prevalence rates among daily smokers aged 14 years and over, progress has been made amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which is good to note. Ongoing tobacco interventions are critical to ensuring that the prevalence of smoking in Australia continues to decline. The government's taking a precautionary approach to e-cigarettes and is continuing to examine the regulatory framework governing e-cigarettes in Australia. Unlike any e-cigarette product, all smoking cessation therapy products lawfully available for commercial sale in Australia have been evaluated for safety and efficacy and have been registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Though the TGA found that there was insufficient evidence to support the widespread use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation or harm reduction, the government has funded eight grants and committed nearly $6½ million in funding for research into e-cigarettes. Further to this, I understand that the senator currently has an inquiry into the matter, which is due to report on 13 September. I look forward to hearing the outcome of that inquiry. The PRESIDENT: Senator Leyonhjelm, a supplementary question.