Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 9 Hansard (2 September) . . Page.. 2858 ..

MS TUCKER (continuing):

I have spoken to the retailers and have listened to their concerns. The most recent amendments, as I have said, appear to go some way towards addressing some of their concerns. But, as I have said to them and to this place, the Greens have as their primary concern the public health issues at stake in the continued promotion of tobacco products at retail outlets, particularly to children.

One of the major cries of the tobacco industry is that jobs will be lost as a result of restrictions on their industry. If there are job losses, they will not just be in the tobacco industry if demand for tobacco products goes down as a result of these types of restrictions. I am happy to say that jobs will also be lost in the health industry. We will not see doctors and nurses having to deal with so many people suffering serious illness such as smoking-related cardio-vascular diseases before they die painful and premature deaths. I am sorry. Jobs are important, but not at any cost.

There seem to be contradictions inherent in the tobacco lobby's arguments. How can they argue that the Government's Bill will not reduce smoking and at the same time argue that it threatens the livelihoods and jobs of tobacco retailers? I believe that this Bill will go some way towards reducing smoking. It is a statement from society which will send a strong message to people in the community. Tobacco is a very poisonous product. We do not want to see it displayed equally with all the non-poisonous products as it is now in supermarkets.

In the economic area, as with gambling, I believe that any money not spent on this highly unproductive, dangerous activity will be directed to other areas of the economy where jobs, industries and productive activities will be generated.

Debate (on motion by Mr Rugendyke ) adjourned.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .