AMA (NSW) welcomes new tobacco reforms
AMA (NSW) welcomes the NSW Government’s ban on smoking in public places and strongly supports making these laws uniform throughout the state.
Previously it was up to local councils to decide whether or not to introduce these sorts of measures which led to inconsistent smoking policies amongst different council areas.
“This is a great preventative health measure and something the NSW Government should be proud of,” AMA (NSW) President, Dr Michael Steiner, said.
“Smoking is the single largest preventable cause of death in Australia and is responsible for around 44,000 hospitalisations a year in NSW alone. Anything that can be done to lower the number of people who take up smoking is a great initiative.
“It is also a health hazard to non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke,” Dr Steiner said. “Importantly the new reforms announced today will mean fewer people are exposed to cigarette smoke in public places.”
This announcement follows a major campaign undertaken by the Cancer Council NSW in conjunction with AMA (NSW), the Heart Foundation and others, aimed at introducing a smoke-free outdoor policy into NSW tobacco legislation.
“After many months of hard lobbying, it is extremely heartening to see that the NSW Government has listened to our concerns and taken such a positive step towards reducing the impact of smoking on the health of the community,” Dr Steiner said.
“I’m also very pleased to see the Government is seeking to ban smoking in commercial outdoor dining areas by 2015 and in the meantime I’d encourage local councils who haven’t yet introduced this measure to put it in place as soon as possible.
“The health risks from smoking are well-known to all and I’m very glad the NSW Government is taking action against this dangerous and addictive activity,” Dr Steiner said.
Media contacts:
Elyse Cain (02) 9902 8138
Lachlan Jones (02) 9902 8113 / 0419 402 955
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