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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 9 Hansard (2 September) . . Page.. 2856 ..

MS TUCKER: Mr Kaine thought it was silly. Mr Rugendyke thinks he said it was silly. Was that correct?

Mr Kaine: I said that I could not see the difference between a vending machine in a bar and a vending machine anywhere else.

MS TUCKER: That is right. He could not see why they were in bars and nowhere else. I would like to address that issue. I agree with Mr Kaine on this in one way. I am concerned that the Government did not propose the complete removal of vending machines from all licensed premises.

Mr Kaine: Now you are getting somewhere.

MS TUCKER: Mr Kaine agrees with that. That is good. Come to the round table when we are looking at the amendments. By the Government's own admission and on the basis of research from the other States and Territories, vending machines continue to provide an easy way for children to purchase tobacco. For example, the Heart Foundation provided me with a survey conducted in Western Australia in 1996 that found that children were 100 per cent successful in their attempts to purchase cigarettes from vending machines on licensed premises in Perth. While small in sample size, the survey included a child of eight who purchased cigarettes from a vending machine within sight of staff of the licensed venue. Other surveys have found that children are only 20 per cent successful in purchasing tobacco products over the counter from retail outlets. Obviously vending machines are an issue.

Removal of vending machines does not mean the removal of tobacco products from licensed premises. These premises could still sell tobacco to adults from their alcoholic and food outlets. As one person has put it to me, and no doubt to other members, we do not have vending machines for other restricted products such as alcohol or pharmaceuticals, so why do we continue to provide them for tobacco products?

Mr Rugendyke: Hear, hear!

MS TUCKER: We look forward to Mr Rugendyke supporting our amendments, even if Mr Moore cannot do that. Then we might get majority support for the amendments we intend to put up on vending machines. It is essential that governments work towards reducing demand, particularly demand by children, for tobacco products.

Mr Kaine: Who is "we"? Are you working with the Government on this?

MS TUCKER: I did not say "we". I said that Mr Moore does not seem to be able to support our amendments but I am hoping we will get support. I think Labor is interested. Mr Kaine has expressed interest and Mr Rugendyke has.

Mr Kaine: I just wondered who the "we" were.

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