ASH Australia media release                                       October 27, 2009

Liberals urged not to derail Preventative Health Agency

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The Liberal Party has been urged to drop its opposition to the establishment of Australia ’s first Preventative Health Agency.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Australia says legislation now before the Senate should be supported by all parties, and has expressed disappointment at the Liberal Party’s “irresponsible” opposition to the bill.

Says ASH Chief Executive Anne Jones:  “We see the establishment of the Preventative Health Agency as a vital step in the fight against chronic disease – especially against its Number One preventable cause, tobacco.

"Setting up this agency is an important measure to improve the health of the Australian community. It was recommended by the 2020 Summit , the Health and Hospitals Reform Commission and the National Preventative Health Taskforce.

“It is difficult to see how the recommendations of these bodies can be put into effect without an appropriate body to ensure funds are effectively allocated.

"We are disappointed and concerned that after support by all parties in the House of Representatives, there should now be a move to oppose it in the Senate.

“ASH Australia calls on the Liberal Party to put party politics aside and get behind the establishment of the National Preventive Health Agency – before more lives are avoidably lost to the ravages of tobacco, alcohol and obesity.”

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 27/10/09