Page 3762 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 17 October 1990
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Mr Speaker, smoking is the single major preventable cause of death and disease in Australia. From the figures I saw its history shows that since 1946 we have made some progress, because there were about 3.5 million smokers then in a very small population. I understand that now the figure is about four million; so there has been a turnaround and certainly, in recent years, a turnaround in attitude. However, there are some disturbing statistics and they show that in some areas it is increasing, most noticeably amongst young women.
I want to base most of my comments in relation to a couple of major advantages I see coming out of this particular Bill. Apart from the health advantages, I want to base my comments on the fact that some of the moneys from the ACT tobacco licence fee will be used very productively to promote anti-smoking and health messages. I note that the ACT tobacco licence fee is now 35 per cent. I understand that it was increased in September 1989.
Debate interrupted.
ADJOURNMENT
MR SPEAKER: Order! It being 4.30 pm, I propose the question:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Mr Collaery: Mr Speaker, I require the question to be put forthwith without debate.
Question resolved in the negative.
TOBACCO (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990
Debate resumed.
MR STEFANIAK: As I was saying, Mr Speaker, I note that our tobacco licensing fee is now 35 per cent. I note that in most States it is now around 50 per cent. We do have a problem with New South Wales as it has 35 per cent and there is that question of a cross-border trading. I certainly hope that that will be solved in the near future so that we can fall into line with other States and go up to 50 per cent, so that more of that money can be used to promote healthy activities.
I am pleased to see, despite some criticisms from Mr Berry that this Government has taken some time in introducing this Bill, that money from that tobacco licence fee has already been put to good effect. Some moneys from the Health Promotion Fund have already been distributed. I am told that approximately $1m per year of the licence fee
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