Commonwealth, Western Australia winning the fight on tobacco control
AMA National Conference 2011
The Commonwealth Government and Western Australia have taken out top honours on the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) National Tobacco Scoreboard 2010/11.
AMA Federal President, Dr Andrew Pesce, today announced results of the ACOSH National Tobacco Scoreboard.
The scoreboard allocates points to each State and Territory in various categories, including legislation, to track how effective governments have been at combating smoking in the previous 12 months.
Presenting the award to Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon at the AMA’s annual conference in Brisbane, Dr Pesce said the Commonwealth Government should be congratulated for displaying national leadership and action on the fight against tobacco.
“The Government has a continuing commitment to tobacco control and world-leading legislation to mandate plain packaging,” Dr Pesce said.
“There can be no doubt that the Government, complemented by action taken by the States and Territories, is leading the world in tobacco control.
“Recent measures by the Government have included a substantial exercise duty increase, significant funding for population and targeted media programs, introduction of the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Initiative, reduced ignition propensity cigarettes and support for quitters.
“The Government of Western Australia should also be congratulated for leading the State/Territory fight against tobacco control with their significant public education programs and a commitment to reject tobacco company donations.
“Western Australia has introduced a ban on smoking in cars carrying children, placing tobacco products out of sight at point-of-sale, smoke-free al fresco dining areas, mandating smoke-free children’s playgrounds and patrolled beaches.”
Dr Pesce said that he hoped the results of the National Tobacco Control Scoreboard would encourage governments to do more to combat tobacco use.
27 May 2011
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