Page 1456 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 6 June 2007
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24 per cent! Those facts should give us all a chance to reflect on how important it is that we consider not only smoking but also passive smoking.
The above represents only a sample of the dangers associated with smoking. The information is obtained from a number of sources, including various government agencies and non-government agencies which are active in this area. Although the sources may vary, the message is singular: tobacco-related illness and disease are wreaking havoc amongst a vast number of Australians. Furthermore, this reality is compounded by the simple truth that tobacco-related pain and suffering are 100 per cent preventable; that is, all of the social and economic costs are wholly preventable.
It is vital that, when we discuss or debate these issues, we remember that the costs associated with smoking are in many ways unique—as opposed to the costs associated with many other social problems. A clear example is that of motor vehicle accidents. No matter how many safety devices our manufacturers create and no matter how many traffic codes, infringements or regulations we may impose, motor vehicle accidents inevitably happen. This is markedly different from the effects of smoking on our society; the economic, social and health effects of smoking are, as already mentioned, preventable. Smoking belongs to a small class of problems that are 100 per cent preventable.
This government, through its health minister, Katy Gallagher, has been instrumental in providing strong and decisive leadership on this issue for the ACT. I highlight the positive ways in which our government is helping Canberrans to kick the habit.
As of December 2006, all public places in the ACT became smoke free. This reform ensures that workers are protected, young people are less likely to pick up the habit, and existing smokers have another reason to quit. We have strengthened the licensing system. These reforms mean that officers from the Office of Regulatory Services can ensure that tobacco retailers are complying with advertising and display requirements. The reforms have already proved successful in thwarting new and inappropriate ways of repackaging and marketing tobacco to our young people. The ban on fruit-flavoured cigarettes is a clear indicator of the success these reforms have had. What a devious and appalling marketing ploy—fruit-flavoured cigarettes!
A further reform is in the method of compliance testing of licensees. This reform was introduced in light of the information that shows that our young people often start smoking between 15 and 16 years of age. Compliance testing protects our young people. In 1999 the legal age for purchasing cigarettes was increased from 16 to 18 years. The impact of this positive reform is self-evident and is reflected in a recent survey that reveals a decrease in the proportion of 16 and 17-year-olds who bought their last cigarette between 1999 and 2005.
Since 2000 there have been restrictions on the number of points of sale for tobacco, product displays and health warnings and signage requirements. This reduces the visibility of tobacco products to the general public and diminishes the visual enticement that advertising can provide for tobacco. In 2006 vending machines were banned in the ACT. Our young people can no longer access tobacco products through the ease and convenience of this form of delivery. Again, the advantages of this reform are self-evident.
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