Page 3315 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 12 October 1993
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Two years ago just over half the people thought that regular tobacco use was acceptable. This year only 36 per cent think it is acceptable. Over three-quarters of people in the national sample say that passive smoking constitutes a real health risk.
Any Minister for Health would be delighted to announce measures which would result in the cost-effective reduction of health risks which potentially affect thousands of people, including infants, children and other vulnerable groups. It gives me additional pleasure that, with the release of these two discussion papers, the ACT has become the first jurisdiction in Australia to propose a comprehensive strategy for the phased elimination of environmental tobacco smoke from a wide range of public and work places. As I mentioned, I have already consulted with community and business groups, and I have been gratified by their acceptance of and support for the Government's approach. During the public consultation period I hope to receive constructive comments from all sectors, including from those who have been overtly critical. I would hope that the concerns and criticisms initially expressed by the Australian Hotels Association will be followed up with a more considered response, and I would trust that that response would have regard to the future health of Australians, once the association's members have had an opportunity to study the proposals in more detail. In the legislative proposals, in particular, every possible consideration has been given to the hospitality industry, and the hotel sector is no exception.
The purpose of discussion papers is to elicit public comment. Further development of the legislation and the code of practice will take place only following the close of the consultation period. We mean it when we say that we will consult. For the legislative proposals, this is 12 November; and for the workplace code, this is 3 January. The Government is not unaware of the landmark nature of these proposals, and of the reasons that the tobacco industry and its allies have for opposing them. After all, the tobacco industry have it in their interests to slow down the process of change. However, I think this Assembly and anybody else who is concerned with the health of the community will not let these people stand in their way.
Mr Cornwell: Why does not your Federal Government ban the growing of tobacco? You are just telling us how difficult it all is, how terrible it all is.
MR BERRY: I hear an interjection from Mr Cornwell. Mr Cornwell, lack of understanding amongst the Liberals must be catching. This is not about whether people smoke; it is about where they smoke. You will understand - - -
Mr Cornwell: All I have heard from you is a long diatribe about how terrible it is. Now you are going to put down conditions.
MR BERRY: You will stand out alone if you say that it is a good thing.
Mr Cornwell: You are totally inconsistent.
Mrs Grassby: Mr Berry, you can tell the smokers in the Liberal Party.
Mr De Domenico: Who are they? He is not a smoker. No-one is. How many smokers have you on your side?
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Mr Berry has the floor.
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