15 February 2008
AMA Victoria is urging the State Government to play its part in further reduce smoking-related disease by extend tobacco reforms to ban smoking in cars carrying children.
The call comes after Quit Victoria launched a graphic warning campaign highlighting the poor survival rate of people diagnosed with lung cancer.
“The effects of passive smoking are harmful, especially to children,” said AMA Victoria President Dr Doug Travis, “and the effects of these cancer-causing, toxic substances are amplified when the child is in a confined space such as a car.
“Victoria has legislated to protect workers, diners and drinkers from the risks of smoking in confined spaces. It makes sense to extend this ban to protect children travelling in cars.”
South Australia and Tasmania have already banned smoking in cars with children.
Dr Travis said smoking rates have been in decline over the past few decades, but tobacco smoking is still responsible for the greatest burden on the health of all Australians.
“Tobacco smoking is the largest preventable cause of death and disease in Australia, with an estimated 15,000 deaths each year. In fact, smoking contributes to more deaths and hospitalisations than alcohol and illicit drug use combined,” said Dr Travis.
“The next steps of tobacco control in Victoria include limiting the effects of harmful second-hand smoke and changing the social climate, so that smoking is no longer viewed as normal, but is regarded as unhealthy and unnecessary.”
War on tobacco: AMA Victoria’s targets
Licensing for tobacco vendors: Any business may sell tobacco in Victoria, without government scrutiny; this makes the enforcement of tobacco laws difficult and increases the opportunities for children to procure tobacco. AMA Victoria recommends that the Victorian Government consider a licensing fee for tobacco vendors as a new revenue measure that would both increase revenue and improve public health.
Ban the sale of fruit and confectionery flavoured cigarettes: These cigarettes appeal to children and young people and are among the most insidious of marketing ploys. NSW outlawed the sale of these cigarettes last month.
Ban Smoking in work vehicles: Staff need clean, safe working environments. This includes a smoke-free environment. While most Australian workplaces are now smoke-free, vehicles are not defined as a workplace in smoking legislation. This anomaly means that some workers will still be exposed to second-hand smoke, risking their health. The only way to protect workers’ health is to ban smoking in all workplaces, including work vehicles.
Ban Smoking on school grounds and on health facility campuses: Smoking is banned in most workplaces and public transport, but there is no legislation to protect children on school grounds or patients and staff outside health facilities such as hospitals.
Ban Smoking in casino high roller rooms: There is no data that suggests that high stakes gamblers are any less susceptible to the health effects from smoking, nor the staff that serve these gamblers. There is no good reason for existing exemptions to certain entertainment venues.
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