ASH Australia media release                                       July 21, 2008

Tobacco peddlers slammed over "big fat lies"

Misleading campaign aims to scuttle cancer plan to protect children

“

Health groups are furious that tobacco peddlers have been aggressively lobbying NSW MPs to scuttle a cancer plan that would protect children from tobacco by putting displays in shops out of sight.

A decision by NSW Cabinet is expected any day following a proper process of open consultation on a discussion paper from Cancer Minister Verity Firth – resulting in truckloads of health evidence, surveys and submissions showing overwhelming community support for putting tobacco out of sight in shops.

“In a last ditch effort, tobacco peddlers are using the back door and schmoozing MPs to put tobacco interests ahead of protecting kids”, says Anne Jones, CEO of ASH Australia and spokesperson for the coalition of 40 health, medical, child welfare and church groups* backing the government plan for out-of-sight tobacco displays.

“It’s not acceptable to lobby MPs with false and unsupported claims aimed at derailing proposals based on evidence and strong community support for improving the health of young people and smokers.

“Tobacco may be legal – but so are many pharmaceuticals quite properly kept out of sight.”

The false and misleading claims in letters and meetings with MPs include assertions that:

• Tobacco displays in shops aren’t advertising;

• Small businesses will suffer and market shares be disrupted;

• Tobacco displays don’t encourage kids to smoke; and

• Putting cigarettes out of sight can increase youth smoking.

“The evidence clearly shows these claims are nothing more than desperate tactics by tobacco pushers who want to keep  tobacco in the faces of kids at any cost”, says Anne Jones.

“The latest evidence shows that the more often children are exposed to tobacco in shops, the more susceptible they are to becoming smokers. This is why tobacco pushers give retailers incentives and bonuses to offset any costs associated with display.”

Leaders of the 40-group coalition are urgently seeking meetings with NSW ministers to expose the tactics and to urge Cabinet members to put protecting children ahead of cushioning tobacco pushers.

* List of 40 supporting organisations at  www.ashaust.org.au/lv4/ProtectChildrenEndorsements.htm

Comment:    Anne Jones, CEO, ASH Australia    ph. (02) 9334-1876;  m. 0417-227-879

Media info:   Stafford Sanders, ASH Australia     ph. (02) 9334-1823;  m. 0412-070-194

Page last updated 21/7/08