MEDIA RELEASE
Tax will reduce smoking rates
The Federal Government's move to increase tobacco tax and reduce advertising material on packaging will reduce smoking rates in the Eastern Ranges said Eastern Ranges GP Association Chair, Dr Barbara Inness.
The new tax, announced on 29 April 2010 will increase tobacco tax by 25 percent and bring in a world's first halt to advertising on packaging.
"Evidence supports tax increases on tobacco as a significant motivator for smoking cessation and should be encouraged.
"We know that if we could reduce smoking we would also reduce chronic illnesses like heart and lung diseases and cancer. Not smoking is one of the things a person can do to live a long and healthy life," Dr Inness said.
The hip pocket hit was the best medicine for smoking addiction, she said.
"Smoking cessation programs are core business for general practice and could be a future role in public health promotion for primary health care organisations (PHCOs), particularly in recognising population trends that might identify smoking as an issue in particular regions," Ms Kristin Michaels, Chief Executive Officer of the Association, said.
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, said the money raised through the additional tax will go to the National Health and Hospitals Network Fund.
"PHCOs will be funded through this to have a clear role to play in health promotion and wellness promotion - the additional funding will be well used in general practice to help patients give up smoking," Ms Michaels said.
She said general practice was the best place to go for those who are considering giving up smoking.
"Even a brief conversation with a GP has a significant impact on the likelihood of someone reducing or ending their smoking addiction. GPs can help with quit plans and nicotine patches to help people quit," she said.
Dr Inness said smoking remained a particular problem in Indigenous communities and the rise in young people taking it up was alarming.
"Smoking is a health risk. It impacts your general health, your eyesight and can significantly increase your likelihood of developing cancers and serious heart disease. If that isn't deterrent enough, raising taxes and limiting advertising are other ways we can reduce uptake," Dr Inness said.
CONTACT: Kristin Michaels, CEO, Ph: 9871 1000
ISSUED: 30 April 2010