This year kicks off a cleaner approach to public health, as Victorians see new tobacco laws coming into effect from 1 March. New legislative provisions in the Tobacco (Amendment) Act 2005 (Vic) ban smoking in most enclosed work spaces and in covered areas of train station platforms, tram stops and bus shelters.

 Putting a further stranglehold on the tobacco industry are restrictions on the promotion and sale of tobacco products, particularly at underage ‘music/dance’ events. The more subliminal-style promotions, delivered through ‘buzz marketing’ and non-branded tobacco advertising, have also been prohibited.  

 But perhaps the biggest kick in the teeth to the tobacco companies will be the proposed ban on smoking in enclosed licensed premises, due to come into effect 1 July 2007. It is expected to sound the death knell to the tobacco industry as smoking numbers continue their rapid decline and community groups lobby for further legislative restrictions. 

 According to research by the Department of Human Services, conducted in 2004, more than 89 per cent of Victorians support tighter law enforcement against cigarette sales to minors, while more than 80 per cent support smoking bans on licensed premises, such as bars, nightclubs and gaming venues.

 Further to public opinion, the impact of smoking related illness on the health system has been a significant catalyst to legislative reforms. In a report highlighting the economic benefits of reducing smoking rates, the Medical Journal of Australia claimed that smoking was responsible for almost 300,000 hospitalisations in Australia between 2001 and 2002, resulting in nearly 1.5 million hospital bed days, at a cost of almost $700 million.

 The strategies to reduce smoking continue to intensify. But while smoking rates among adults have declined significantly, youth smoking rates are still a problem. This poses a challenge for anti-smoking groups like Quit Victoria, a joint initiative of the Cancer Council Victoria, VicHealth, Department of Human Services and the National Heart Foundation. Their most recent feat is the new graphic health warnings on cigarette packets, which aim to motivate an unprecedented number of Australians to quit smoking.

This sort of action, supported by tighter legislative controls, can only strengthen the momentum towards a healthier lifestyle for the entire community. 

More information

From the LIV Bookshop Peddling Poison: The Tobacco Industry and Kids, Clete Snell $58