|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Back to Media Releases index |
“
Health
groups have welcomed new funding for anti-smoking measures announced
by the Tasmanian government, and have called on all Australian
governments to combine realistic funding for anti-tobacco measures
with strong legislation. Tasmania
will spend an extra $2.7m over four years on media stagnated in recent
times. Action
on Smoking and Health (ASH) Australia has pointed to the need for all
jurisdictions to maintain a two-pronged attack on smoking by
combining:
Says
ASH Chief Executive Anne Jones: “Good research evidence worldwide
shows we need to put both these approaches in place to reduce smoking
harm and costs. “Tasmania
has been one of the leading jurisdictions in strong legislation, but
has been let down until now by poor funding. We can now expect to see
a significant fall in smoking rates there. “This
is a great result for the state and a credit to its Health Minister,
government and advisers - and to the health groups in the Smokefree
Tasmania coalition who have worked tirelessly to win the support of
government. “Other
jurisdictions, particularly the larger states, have the reverse
problem: they have provided better funding for quit campaigns but have
been let down by weak laws allowing smoky crowded places and tobacco
promotions in shops to continue. “To
maximise their investment in anti-smoking measures, the larger states
now need to strengthen their legislative efforts to match those of
states like Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia.
“With
this approach, we could see a steeper fall in smoking rates – and
greater saving of life, health and money.”
Comment: Anne Jones, CEO, ASH Australia m. 0417-227-879 Media
info: Stafford
Sanders, ASH Australia
ph. (02) 9334-1823; m.
0412-070-194
|
|
Page last updated 18/6/08 |
|