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“
Joint media release from ASH Australia,
Cancer Council Australia, Heart Foundation and Public Health
Association of Australia Australians would overwhelmingly support
increased ‘alcopops’ and tobacco tax if funds raised were used for
preventive health programs, according to Newspoll research published
today (24/9). A survey of more than 1200 Australian adults
showed 84 per cent supported the Government’s proposed
‘alcopops’ tax and 88 per cent backed increased tobacco
tax, if most of the revenue funded programs to help prevent diseases
such as heart disease and cancer. The research was commissioned by the Heart
Foundation, Cancer Council, Public Health Association of Australia and
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). Professor Ian Olver, Cancer Council
Australia Chief Executive Officer, said the Newspoll survey showed
Australians strongly supported tax increases that could reduce
consumption of harmful products while raising funds to improve the
nation’s health. “While 57 per cent of survey
respondents support the ‘alcopops’ tax irrespective of how the
money is used, this increases to 84 per cent if most of the
revenue goes towards preventing diseases such as heart disease and
cancer,” Professor Olver said. “Eighty-four per cent is an
extraordinary majority, particularly for an issue like paying more
tax. It sends a strong message to politicians.” Professor Mike Daube, President of the
Public Health Association of Australia, said introduction of the
‘alcopops’ tax coincided with a significant decrease in spirit
consumption, particularly ready-to-drink mixes marketed at young
people. “Senate support for the tax would be a
win-win result if the government ensures most of the revenue funds
public health,” Professor Daube said. “These measures could
prevent thousands of premature deaths.” Maurice Swanson, tobacco control
spokesperson for the Heart Foundation, said evidence showed tobacco
tax was one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking rates, a
principle likely to apply to alcohol tax. “Tobacco tax, which has not increased in
real terms for a decade, has been shown to reduce smoking rates
significantly,” Mr Swanson said. “Increased tobacco tax would also raise
much needed revenue for public health programs. Tens of thousands of
Australians die each year from preventable diseases, yet less than two per
cent of health system expenditure goes towards prevention programs.” Media contacts: Paul Grogan, Cancer Council m. 0409 456 727 Glen Turner, Cancer Council m. 0412 443 212 Mike Daube, PHAA m. 0409 933 933 Liz
Rehfeldt, Heart Foundation m. 0403 348 749
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Page last updated 24/9/08 |
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