Queensland recognised on World No Tobacco Day for tough smoking laws

As World No Tobacco Day is recognised globally and the dangers of smoking are highlighted, Queenslanders can breathe easier knowing their state is officially Australia’s toughest on tobacco.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) and Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) have named Queensland the nation’s leader in achieving outstanding results for tobacco control over the past 12 months. 

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government had topped the AMA and ACOSH’s National Tobacco Control Scoreboard 2017 in recognition of Queensland’s tough anti-smoking laws.

“The judges praised our Government for introducing smoke-free legislation in public areas, including public transport waiting areas, major sports and events facilities, and outdoor pedestrian malls, and for divesting from tobacco companies,” Mr Dick said.

The nation’s toughest anti-smoking laws came into effect in Queensland last September.

Smoke-free zones were expanded to include bus stops, taxi ranks, ferry terminals or any public transport waiting point, under-18 organised sporting events and skate parks, at and around early childhood education and care facilities, and at public swimming pool complexes.

“In February, we expanded these laws to also include restrictions in national parks,” Mr Dick said.

“Our state’s tough tobacco laws and the extra help being provided to groups with higher smoking rates is clearly making a difference.

“The number of Queensland adults who smoke daily has halved since 1998 and youth smoking is at its lowest recorded level.

“On top of this, $3 million was allocated over 2017-18 to expand the free Quitline programs aimed at providing intensive support for Queenslanders with high smoking rates, including people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and individuals who live in rural and remote communities.

“The 12-week programs have an incredible success rate, with up to 23% of participants becoming non-smokers. That is five times the rate of people trying to quit without help.”

Despite the recognition, Mr Dick said the Palaszczuk Government would not rest on its laurels and would continue to forge ahead with its commitment to cracking down on smoking.

“Unfortunately, 450,000 adults across Queensland still smoke daily,” Mr Dick said.

“Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death. Our Government is committed to improving the health of those who currently smoke and protecting children and other Queenslanders from second-hand smoke.

“By 2020 we want to see 157,000 fewer Queenslanders smoking daily.”

AMA President Dr Michael Gannon announced the results at the AMA National Conference 2017 in Melbourne.

Judges from ACOSH allocate points to each state and territory in various categories, including legislation, to track how effective government has been at combating smoking in the previous 12 months.

“Research shows that smoking is likely to cause the death of two-thirds of current Australian smokers. This means that 1.8 million Australians now alive will die because they smoked,” Dr Gannon said.

“It is imperative that governments avoid complacency, keep up with tobacco industry tactics, and continue to implement strong, evidence-based tobacco control measures.”

ENDS

Media contact:

Emma McBryde 0447 155 332