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“
Health groups have welcomed South Australia’s
historic decision to ban split cigarette packs, and are urging other
governments to follow the lead by backing a similar ban and other
recommended measures to protect children from tobacco products. The ban on 20-cigarette “kiddie packs”
announced yesterday by SA Health Minister John Hill followed concerns
that the marketing ploy would encourage children to smoke. Says Anne Jones, Chief Executive of Action on
Smoking and Health (ASH) Australia:
“The decision to recall these products is great news and
shows that state governments can act faster and more effectively than
the federal government or the ACCC to protect young people. “It’s a serious issue as over 10,000
children in SA are already weekly smokers and over 19% of these are
illegally supplied tobacco products by retailers. “While the tobacco industry trots out its
deceptive rhetoric of ‘adult lifestyle choices’, the hard reality
is that children are prime targets to replace smokers who either die
or quit smoking. “We urge South Australia to press on with
putting children’s lives and health ahead of shonky claims made by
the tobacco industry – including that restrictions will not deter
smoking.” A coalition of health and medical groups is
currently seeking support for several effective measures to protect
children from tobacco including:
The SA Cabinet meets early next week to determine its support for recommendations to protect children from tobacco – measures that tobacco retailers are actively opposing. Comment: Anne
Jones, CEO, ASH Australia ph.
(02) 9334-1876 m.
0417-227-879 Media inquiries:
Stafford Sanders ph.
(02) 9334-1823 m.
0412-070-194
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Page last updated 13/11/06 |
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