Tobacco plain packaging legislation
The AMA congratulated the Government on getting its tobacco plain packaging legislation through the House of Representatives.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, urges all MPs and Senators to get behind both the Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill 2011 and the Trade Marks Amendment (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Bill 2011.
“This legislation will put Australia ahead of the world in public health efforts to stop people smoking,” Dr Hambleton said.
“This legislation will save lives.
“Doctors see the devastating effects of smoking every day with people’s health deteriorating and families losing loved ones because of the killer smoking habit.
“We have to send a message to people who are still smoking that they must quit.
“We have to send a message to young people that they must never take up the habit.
“And we have to send a message to Big Tobacco that people’s lives are more important than their profits,” Dr Hambleton said.
24 August 2011
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Geraldine Kurukchi 02 6270 5467 / 0427 209 753
Follow the AMA Media on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ama_media
Follow the AMA President on Twitter: http://twitter.com/amapresident