Page 3924 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 23 October 1990
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perhaps a heavy smoker, is now going to be vulnerable for the next couple of years. I just foreshadow that I have some real concerns on that particular issue.
The other area that I feel I ought comment on relates to confectionery toys resembling tobacco products. The last few times this amending Bill has been discussed the Minister has had a series of samples on his desk. I notice they are not there tonight. I cannot say how pleased I am - - -
Mr Wood: He ate them.
MR MOORE: He ate them; that is right. I am pleased to see that those insidious forms of advertising are being taken seriously and are being removed by this legislation. Similarly, the removal of tobacco advertisements, moving tobacco out of the advertising area, is part of that method of reducing usage and reducing harm associated with this particular drug. I must say I am very pleased about that.
I am a little disappointed - unless I have missed it; but I have read through the Bill a number of times - that the notion of controlling restaurants and controlling passive smoking has not been taken up as part of this Bill. I suppose that is an issue that is going to need further discussion and further airing. I guess there is always the opportunity for it to come up again. But of more concern, even with the reduction of smoking around us, is the effects of passive smoking and they are to be taken seriously. I think it is appropriate that in public areas the right to fresh air is considered a much more important right than the right people have to smoke and to allow that smoke to affect other people's health. In general, I support the Bill.
MR JENSEN (8.06): Like the Minister, Mr Humphries, and Mr Moore and others who have spoken on this Bill, particularly Mr Berry, I strongly support this emphasis on the reduction of the ability of young people to be exposed to the problems of tobacco use and the impact that it has on their lives in a future stage.
As a parent of two teenage children and as one who has gone through the period of being a reformed smoker, I acknowledge that it is a fact that a reformed smoker is the worst type, in fact, because we are a little more difficult to get on with than others. I am not sure, but I suspect Mr Berry might be one of those as well. At one stage during my life I was a two to three packet a day man and I can assure you that it certainly did not do my health any good. I certainly noticed a major difference to my health when I desisted from the terrible habit.
However, I think it is more important at this stage to comment on the effect this weed, if you like, has on our younger generation. I recall my daughter being encouraged, as part of her peer group I think, to participate in this
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