Published Sunday, 23 December, 2007 at 06:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Public backs tighter controls on teen cosmetic surgery
The Bligh Government has received overwhelming public support for tighter controls on underage cosmetic surgery and solarium use.
Premier Anna Bligh said today almost everyone who responded to the Government’s discussion paper want more regulation in both areas.
She said the State Government released the paper in October calling for Queenslanders to have their say whether teenagers should use solariums and undergo cosmetic surgery such as breast implants and nose jobs.
“Since then, 290 public submissions have been received with the majority of respondents parents or young people,” Ms Bligh said.
“Ninety-five per cent called for more regulation of cosmetic surgery by people under 18 years and 96% supported restrictions on minors using solariums.
“The overwhelming community support is generally in line with the views of key stakeholders such as surgeons and the Cancer Council, who have been individually consulted.”
Analysis of public submissions also revealed:
• 82% of respondents are very concerned about non-medical cosmetic surgery procedures for people under 18.
• Respondents were more concerned about invasive cosmetic surgery such as breast enlargements then non-invasive procedures such as laser hair removal and other minor services.
• 92% of respondents are very concerned about young people using solariums.
• Respondents have advocated for additional measures to be undertaken before underage people can use solariums such as parental consent and education.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said he would report back to Cabinet early next year and outline regulatory options.
“We don’t want to become a nanny state, but anecdotal evidence of huge increases in breast implants, nose jobs and tummy tucks amongst teenagers is alarming,” he said.
“I’m not against these procedures to correct deformities or negate any medical or psychological impact caused by specific body features, but major surgery for purely cosmetic reasons for youngsters must be questioned.
“That’s why we asked for community and stakeholder views and we will outline our Government’s response when State Cabinet resumes next year.”
Currently no Australian state or territory directly regulates the provision of cosmetic surgery or solariums to minors although the possible development of nationally consistent regulation of solariums has been put on the agenda for a meeting of Australian Health Ministers in 2008.
More information: Premier’s Office 3224 4500/0448 614420
Minister Robertson’s Office 3234 1185/0409069056
Premier Anna Bligh said today almost everyone who responded to the Government’s discussion paper want more regulation in both areas.
She said the State Government released the paper in October calling for Queenslanders to have their say whether teenagers should use solariums and undergo cosmetic surgery such as breast implants and nose jobs.
“Since then, 290 public submissions have been received with the majority of respondents parents or young people,” Ms Bligh said.
“Ninety-five per cent called for more regulation of cosmetic surgery by people under 18 years and 96% supported restrictions on minors using solariums.
“The overwhelming community support is generally in line with the views of key stakeholders such as surgeons and the Cancer Council, who have been individually consulted.”
Analysis of public submissions also revealed:
• 82% of respondents are very concerned about non-medical cosmetic surgery procedures for people under 18.
• Respondents were more concerned about invasive cosmetic surgery such as breast enlargements then non-invasive procedures such as laser hair removal and other minor services.
• 92% of respondents are very concerned about young people using solariums.
• Respondents have advocated for additional measures to be undertaken before underage people can use solariums such as parental consent and education.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said he would report back to Cabinet early next year and outline regulatory options.
“We don’t want to become a nanny state, but anecdotal evidence of huge increases in breast implants, nose jobs and tummy tucks amongst teenagers is alarming,” he said.
“I’m not against these procedures to correct deformities or negate any medical or psychological impact caused by specific body features, but major surgery for purely cosmetic reasons for youngsters must be questioned.
“That’s why we asked for community and stakeholder views and we will outline our Government’s response when State Cabinet resumes next year.”
Currently no Australian state or territory directly regulates the provision of cosmetic surgery or solariums to minors although the possible development of nationally consistent regulation of solariums has been put on the agenda for a meeting of Australian Health Ministers in 2008.
More information: Premier’s Office 3224 4500/0448 614420
Minister Robertson’s Office 3234 1185/0409069056