Future Fund decision another important step in tobacco control
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the Future Fund’s decision to exclude tobacco products from its investment portfolio is another important step in the ongoing public health campaign for tobacco control and to stop people smoking.
Dr Hambleton said that the Future Fund decision was not just belated good judgement and sound corporate responsibility, it sends a strong public health message to the community and to the tobacco industry.
“Tobacco kills people,” Dr Hambleton said.
“Governments and government agencies should not invest in or have business dealings with the tobacco industry.
“Political parties should not accept donations from the tobacco industry.
“Every act that withdraws support for Big Tobacco will save lives and improve the health of the community.
“The Government’s plain packaging legislation was a significant and much welcomed milestone in tobacco control in Australia.
“It resonated around the world and now countries such as New Zealand are looking to follow Australia’s lead.
“But governments must remain vigilant as the tobacco industry tries new and tricky ways to market its killer products, especially to young people.
“We have come a long way in tobacco control, but there is still more to do as long as the tobacco industry continues to use legal challenges and misleading advertising to lure people into a deadly tobacco addiction and keep people smoking,” Dr Hambleton said.
01 March, 2013
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761