Navigating the GEG clause

THE generational endgame (GEG) clause is essentially a provision in the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 that seeks to ban tobacco and vape products for anyone born on Jan 1, 2007 and onwards. If the Bill becomes law and comes into force on Jan 1, 2024, anyone who is 17 years of age and younger will be prohibited from using or purchasing tobacco and vape products.

What is the fuss about discrimination under the GEG clause? Well, Article 8(1) of our Federal Constitution states that all persons are equal before the law. In short, the GEG clause is viewed as discriminatory because it creates two different groups based on age.