Independent Winderemere MLC Ivan Dean expects to bring on debate about the plan in September and whoever wins the August 1 Legislative Council election would be required to participate.

Independent candidate David Fry said he believed raising the age would fuel the illegal supply of tobbaco products to people aged 18-20 and "create a policing nightmare".

"I am open to furthe debate and community feedback on this issue," he said.

Greens candidate Jack Davenport said health experts backed raising the age and it would reduce youth smoking rates.

"This law will save lives and reduce long and painful smoking illnesses," Mr Davenport said.

Independent candidate Vivienne Gale said Mr Dean's plan would protect future generations.

"In a time of COVID-19, the protection of lung health is crucial and more so for our youth," Ms Gale said.

"Rosevears voters need the confidence that their newly elected MLC will consider the health of their youth and actively seek to protect it."

Labor candidate Jess Greene said more work needed to be done to build community support for Mr Dean's plan.

"If the government does not support the proposal I believe there is a risk it would not be successful," Ms Greene said.

"I would like to see the government ... driving the change because we have the highest rates of smoking in the country."

Independent candidate Janie Finlay said she would need to fully understand any potential negative consequences of raising the age before she supported Mr Dean's plan.

"I haven't read a lot of research on this issue yet however I am aware that when you limit access to products like cigarettes and alcohol it can have severe unintended consequences," Ms Finlay said.

Liberal candidate Jo Palmer does not want the age raised.

"As a mum, I am mighty happy my two eldest children aged 21 and 23 are not smokers ... however the age we tell our children they can make adult decisions is 18, including being able to vote," she said.