AMA supports ban on Internet tobacco advertising
AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that the AMA supports Government moves to ban the advertising of tobacco products on the Internet and other electronic media.
Dr Pesce said that the AMA wants a ban on all forms of tobacco promotion to reduce the harms that smoking causes.
“The Government’s strong action to restrict advertising of tobacco products must be backed by the Parliament,” Dr Pesce said.
“The proposed new law will make it harder for tobacco companies to target teenagers and young Australians with attractive ads and promotions on the Internet.
“It will help deter young people from taking up smoking and save the lives of thousands of Australians.
“Banning or limiting tobacco industry advertising is vital if we are going to help people to quit smoking or stop taking up the killer habit.
“Plain packaging of all tobacco products and increasing the price of tobacco products are also crucial elements of the anti-smoking strategy, and are necessary and urgent next steps.
“The AMA calls on all parties to support these measures in the Parliament.
“The Government’s commitment to these anti-smoking initiatives will save lives and improve the health of many Australians,” Dr Pesce said.
17 November 2010
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