Sign up to Support the Plain Packaging Pledge World No Tobacco Day
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has joined public health advocates for World No Tobacco Day in signing the Plain Packaging Pledge in support of the Government’s proposed plain packaging legislation.
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31 May 2011
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon today joined public health advocates for World No Tobacco Day in signing the Plain Packaging Pledge in support of the Gillard Government’s proposed plain packaging legislation.
“Plain packaging is critical to the Gillard Government’s fight to reduce the toll on families from smoking related deaths so I call on other members of parliament and the community to get behind us and sign the pledge,” Minister Roxon said.
“Today is World No Tobacco Day and it is a stark reminder that smoking kills more than five million people worldwide and 15,000 Australians a year and costs us $31.5 billion – we can’t afford to stand by and do nothing.
“This plain packaging legislation sends a clear message that the glamour is gone – cigarette packs will now only show the death and disease that can come from smoking.
“The Gillard Government is leading the world with this legislation. We can see the long-term benefits and have the political will to see this through.
“While our Government’s international leadership has been applauded by many, today I am very happy to see that Tony Abbott has, reluctantly, fallen into line and is now backing the Gillard Government.
“However, Mr Abbott has failed to completely kick his habit and is still accepting big donations from Big Tobacco.
“It’s almost as if Mr Abbott has been forced to cut down from a pack a day, but he still hasn’t been able to quit for good.
“Tony Abbott needs to come out and unambiguously back our efforts to introduce plain packaging, stop accepting donations from Big Tobacco and fight this killer habit.”
Minister Roxon also announced $1.5 million for the expansion of the National Tobacco Campaign for high risk and hard to reach groups, $150,000 to support the national promotion of the ‘MyQuit’ e-cessation tool developed by the Cancer Council Victoria and $110,000 to provide sponsorship and scholarships for the 2011 Oceania Tobacco Control Conference.
Australians wanting to support plain packaging can contact their local MP’s office to show their support or visit www.plainfacts.org.au from tomorrow.
For all media inquiries, please contact the Minister's Office on 62777 220
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