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World No Tobacco Day is something that I have been able to celebrate since first coming to this Assembly. One of the most important features of that celebration has been that each year there have been some gains in the fight against the effects on the community of tobacco consumption. I have particularly enjoyed the proactive role that has been taken by this Assembly. In 1989, Labor set up the first Health Promotion Fund in the ACT. One of its roles was to buy out tobacco sponsorship. Members will note in the motion that I have circulated here today that I seek to condemn the Rothmans Corporation for its efforts to maintain and increase tobacco consumption. It is somewhat ironical that the first tobacco sponsorship that was bought out by the Health Promotion Fund was the Rothmans Cup, in 1989.

Since then, there has been a reduction in, and a considerable effect on, the promotion of tobacco with sport here in the ACT. In 1990, we had new tobacco legislation ready. Subsequently, that was taken up by the Liberal Health Minister, Mr Humphries. But, instead of regulating smoking in restaurants in those days, the softer option was taken, as one would expect from the Liberals. But still the battle went on. In 1991, the Health Promotion Fund process had matured, and we saw new initiatives, new types of promotions and new campaigns.

In 1992, during the election campaign, Labor promised clean air legislation. When that was first mooted, there was a lot of effort put into whipping up a campaign against it out there in the community. The tobacco lobbyists lined up. I still recall some representatives from, I think, the Philip Morris company, who came to me and said that they were sponsoring some sort of an art show at the National Gallery and that, if I kept this up, they would take away their pieces of art. I just said to them, “Would you like me to drive the truck?”. They then dropped off that issue. I am not sure whether or not the art promotion went ahead, but I do remember that very first approach by the lobbyists. That was just one small part of the campaign. Members will recall the battle that went on at the ministerial advisory council to get the strongest possible messages on cigarette packets. Those efforts finally paid off, and a move to water down those health warnings was defeated.

The Smoke-free Areas Bill was introduced in 1993. That was landmark legislation for Australia. Whilst the Liberals, then in opposition, suggested that they were the supporters of strong legislation, they did everything they possibly could to undermine the credibility of the legislation. Eventually, that landmark legislation went through this chamber, with some amendments which have, I think, proved troublesome for some sectors of the community. Those amendments were questioned. Nevertheless, the legislation itself was landmark legislation - basically good legislation - and it will lead to better things out there in the community. I think it has received, in principle at least, the support of the community. Of course, the usual lobbyists approached the Government, with seemingly endless amounts of money, raising those usual concerns; but the community was there in support, and that Bill was passed. I think it is something that the Assembly can be proud of.

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