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The new Preventative Healthcare Strategy
launched by the Federal Opposition has been welcomed by Action on
Smoking and Health (ASH) Australia. The
strategy was announced today (June 28) by Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd
and Shadow Health Minister Nicola Roxon as a first step in the ALP’s
“Fresh ideas, future economy”
policy. The
strategy promises a permanent taskforce to provide evidence-based
advice on disease prevention to government and health providers. Says
Anne Jones, ASH Chief Executive:
“A comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the burden of
chronic disease is urgently needed but has not yet been implemented by
the Federal Government. “Tobacco
is Australia’s largest single cause of preventable death and disease
– each year killing more than 15,000 people and draining over $21b
from our economy. “Smoking
is a significant cause of most of the leading chronic diseases
mentioned in the strategy – including cardiovascular disease,
cancer, diabetes and asthma. “As
government research has shown, stepping up the fight against tobacco
would be the most cost-effective investment the government could make
in the health portfolio. “In
recent years Australia’s per capita investment in tobacco control
has fallen behind other OECD countries including New Zealand, the UK,
Canada and the Irish Republic – and well behind what is justified by
the scale of the problem. “We urge all parties to get behind the reorientation of health care towards preventing disease and improving health care partnerships between governments.” Comment: Anne Jones, CEO, ASH Australia m. 0417-227-879 Media
info: Stafford
Sanders, ASH Australia
ph. (02) 9334-1823; m.
0412-070-194
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Page last updated 28/6/07 |
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