|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Back to Media Releases index |
“
The
Australian Government is being urged to do “three big things” for
World No Tobacco Day * (Sunday 31st May) that will save
lives, prevent diseases and accelerate the fight against tobacco. Says
Anne Jones, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) ASH
is calling on all governments to get behind three cost-effective
measures with enormous potential to drive down smoking rates to 9% or
less by 2020: 1.
Increase
tobacco tax: “Good medicine for health, for government revenue and
for our health system”, says Anne Jones. 2.
Prevent tobacco
industry interference in public health policies: “There is an
irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industry’s interests and
public health interests.” 3.
End all
indirect forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, sponsorship and
display – online and in shops – and mandate plain packaging of
tobacco: “We should close the loopholes and stop the tobacco
industry flying under the radar.” Says
Anne Jones: “ “We
haven’t had an increase in tobacco tax for nearly a decade, yet such
an increase would raise billions of dollars a year and pay for a
much-needed national preventive health strategy including programs
helping smokers who want to quit.” ASH
has written to all Health Ministers seeking support for the Treaty and
effective measures to save lives, prevent chronic diseases and create
a healthier future for Australians. * More on WNTD at www.who.int/tobacco/communications/events/wntd/2009/en/index.html 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 29/5/09 |
|