NEW LAWS TO SNUFF OUT SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Published Wednesday, 11 October, 2006 at 12:03 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Health Minister Stephen Robertson today introduced legislation to ban the supply of smokeless tobacco products such as nasal snuff and chewing tobacco.
Mr Robertson said the new laws were among a range of health portfolio changes included in the Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2006.
“This Bill continues the Beattie Government's tough anti-smoking laws by banning the supply of smokeless tobacco products,” he said.
“Although there is little evidence to show that these products are presently being sold in Queensland, Queensland Health has received a number of enquiries from retailers interested in selling these products.”
Mr Robertson said the new laws were consistent with the prohibition of smokeless tobacco products in other parts of Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.
He said products like nasal snuff and chewing tobacco were known to cause health problems.
“It is a common misconception that smokeless tobacco products are a healthy alternative to cigarettes,” Mr Robertson said.
“The reality is they are just as bad for your health as cigarettes.
“Smokeless tobacco products are addictive.
“The nicotine delivery capabilities are very high and can result in an increased potential for nicotine dependence.
“Users of these products experience cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.
“The use of these products is also a risk factor for oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer, non-malignant oral diseases and cardiovascular disease.
“The Beattie Government is taking this tough stance to ban the supply of these products in Queensland because we are serious about addressing all forms of tobacco use.”
Mr Robertson said other health portfolio amendments introduced today would ensure greater opportunities for the recruitment of medical and allied health professionals and help to address the national shortage of dentists in the public sector.
11 October, 2006
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson said the new laws were among a range of health portfolio changes included in the Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2006.
“This Bill continues the Beattie Government's tough anti-smoking laws by banning the supply of smokeless tobacco products,” he said.
“Although there is little evidence to show that these products are presently being sold in Queensland, Queensland Health has received a number of enquiries from retailers interested in selling these products.”
Mr Robertson said the new laws were consistent with the prohibition of smokeless tobacco products in other parts of Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.
He said products like nasal snuff and chewing tobacco were known to cause health problems.
“It is a common misconception that smokeless tobacco products are a healthy alternative to cigarettes,” Mr Robertson said.
“The reality is they are just as bad for your health as cigarettes.
“Smokeless tobacco products are addictive.
“The nicotine delivery capabilities are very high and can result in an increased potential for nicotine dependence.
“Users of these products experience cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.
“The use of these products is also a risk factor for oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer, non-malignant oral diseases and cardiovascular disease.
“The Beattie Government is taking this tough stance to ban the supply of these products in Queensland because we are serious about addressing all forms of tobacco use.”
Mr Robertson said other health portfolio amendments introduced today would ensure greater opportunities for the recruitment of medical and allied health professionals and help to address the national shortage of dentists in the public sector.
11 October, 2006
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680