Endgame for tobacco

Australian smoking rates are on the decline but some evidence suggests that rate is starting to slow. There are some who continue to smoke despite knowing the associated health risks.

Researcher Dr Kathryn Barnsley from the University of Tasmania has suggested several policy responses to get the smoking rate down to zero.

– Reduce further the number of retail outlets where cigarettes and other tobacco products are sold.

– An age defined limit on tobacco sales. ie. Anybody born after the year 2000 will not able to buy tobacco.

– A government agency to take over the tobacco industry leading to tobacco being a controlled substance.

– The sinking lid. Gradually produce and sell smaller and smaller quantities of tobacco.

Speaking to 3AW Drive, Professor Ron Borland, Nigel Grey Distinguished Fellow in Cancer Prevention at the Cancer Council Victoria was asked if any of these policies had any appeal.

‘By themselves no, but in conjunction with other things some of them have some potential.’ he said

‘The reality is around two out of three long-term smokers will die prematurely from smoking…we have to make that information real to people because most people don’t emotionally relate to them’ he said.

For help to quit smoking, contact Quitline on 13 7848 or visit www.quit.org.au 

Click PLAY to hear the full discussion and interview.