Opportunity
to encourage smokers to quit - as prices are only going to
increase, and the average smoker already spends $3,000 pa on
tobacco. Higher taxes on tobacco do not disadvantage the poor -
see www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=1891.
A month of gay
and lesbian cultural and political events and a chance to
highlight smoking issues in the G&L community. Culminates in
the big parade on March 3. More on the festival at www.mardigras.org.au/.
Chance to target gratuitous/glamourised
smoking in movies;
evidence of increase in promotion and impact on kids. Solutions
include counter
advertising campaigns and more film industry awareness. This
year, the Smoke Free Movies Action Network is promoting an
International WEEK of Action (February 17-25) - the theme
"Stop Toxic Movies". More info and ideas at
www.stoptoxicmovies.com
See ASH slideshow at www.ashaust.org.au/ppts/SmokeScreen.ppt
and Cancer Council NSW "Smoking in Movies" page at www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=1409
Official Oscars site is at www.oscars.org/79academyawards/
A chance to highlight the work of ASH
in tobacco control? Also the start of the Christian fast of Lent -
where the message might be, if you can stop for Lent, you can quit
for good.
The WHO's Framework Convention on
Tobacco Control celebrates its 2nd birthday today. Encourage
Australian and regional governments to legislate consistently with
it - to end shop display, protect children and make places
smokefree. More on the treaty at www.who.int/tobacco/framework/en/
