|
Non Smokers' Update |
Contact: Send a message to the NSMA Web page: www.nsma.org.au
THE NSW HEALTH MINISTER, THE HON. CRAIG KNOWLES, ANNOUNCED THIS LONG AWAITED DECISION ON TUESDAY 2 MAY 2000. THE BAN WILL COVER ALL DINING AREAS IN RESTAURANTS, CLUBS, HOTELS, CASINOS, CAFES AND WILL EXTEND TO VIRTUALLY ALL ENCLOSED AREAS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS. THE BANS WILL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BILL IS PUT THROUGH PARLIAMENT.
THIS IS EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT THE END OF MAY.
THE BANS IN SOME HOTEL DINING AREAS MAY BE DELAYED FOR 12
MONTHS TO ALLOW SEPARATION OF AREAS WHICH ARE ADJACENT
TO BARS. THE BAR AREAS OF HOTELS AND CASINOS ARE
EXEMPTED PROVIDED NO FOOD IS SERVED THERE. THE BAR AREAS
OF COUNTRY HOTELS THAT SERVE COUNTER MEALS WILL ALSO BE
EXEMPTED FOR THE TIME BEING.
Good News on the Front Page
WIDE COVERAGE OF BANS
The bans will extend to a long list of other enclosed public spaces. A lot of these are smoke free already due to occupational health laws or voluntary restrictions. These include shopping centres, malls, community centres, halls, business premises, public areas in hotels and motels (not accommodation), fitness centres, bowling alleys, and other sporting facilities and child care centres. Bar areas in clubs, hotels and licensed premises will be exempt and bans will not apply to traditional country pub lunches eaten at the counter or in beer gardens.
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
The final details of phase-in plans and
exemptions will not be really clear until the
legislation is again debated and passed through
both Houses of Parliament. During the Labor
Caucus debate, backbencher Peter Black gave a
passionate defence of the right to smoke,
especially at a hotel. This speech was clapped by
the Treasurer, Michael Egan, much to the
amazement of his labor colleagues. When
treasurers start counting their loss of revenue as
more important than the public good it will be a
worry until the Act is finally passed. Of course we
can expect the Liberal Party, with a leader who is
the daughter of Greg Bartels, ex-Director of a
tobacco company, and with Nick Greiner cracking
the whip behind the scenes, to do absolutely
nothing to strengthen the Act and they will do
their best to frustrate its effect.
PENALTIES
The information given out by the Health Minister
suggests that smokers will be liable to fines of
$550 and owners of premises will be up for $5500
for breaches of the Act. The Minister said the new
laws were necessary due to the irrefutable
evidence that passive smoking was harmful.
When smokers light up in enclosed spaces, non-
smokers become smokers too. Mr Knowles said
that most smokers willingly go outside for a
cigarette and the overwhelming majority of
enclosed public spaces are already smoke-free.
AMENDED LEGISLATION
The proposal is not new legislation, rather it is an
amendment of the 1997 NSW Smoking
Regulation Act, which readers will recall
contained that ridiculous requirement to establish
a new Air Quality Standard first and then allow a
five year phase-in period before bans were
introduced. It was the "five years from never-
never plan" masterminded by the previous
smoking Health Minister, Andrew Refshauge.
THANK YOU CRAIG KNOWLES
I think we can say thank you to Craig Knowles for
a more enlightened approach after he took over
from Andrew Refshauge. While we have
complained bitterly about lack of action in setting
the required air quality standard it seems that
Knowles was receptive to the arguments put to
him that it was not necessary to do this first. We
told him that it was not found necessary to define
an air standard before bringing in the bans in
buses, trains and aircraft so why should it
suddenly become essential before bringing in
bans in restaurants. It was patently a delay tactic
borne of lack of political will to bite the bullet in
1997.
No Longer Do We Have To Beg
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to all members of the Health
Lobby Team on finally achieving the ban on
smoking in restaurants, and virtually all enclosed
public areas in NSW. A special thank you to Anne
Jones and Simon Chapman of ASH Australia and
Dr Andrew Penman of NSW Cancer Council for
carrying the frontline burden in NSW for so long.
Other well funded agencies like VicHealth and
ACOSH in other States have also played a strong
supporting role through the Tobacco Control
Network. We should not forget the pioneering
work of Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans and
independent Member For Manly, Peter
Macdonald and to some extent Fred Nile in the
Upper House for manoeuvring the Government
into action through the Private Members' Bills of
1996/97. The final result flows from that
groundwork and no doubt everyone concerned
feels a sense of satisfaction today after so many
years of frustration.
FURTHER WORK
The Minister has set up a working party with
industry and union representatives to assist
licensed premises to implement the changes.
There is still work to be done by the health lobby
to extend bans to the remaining hotel/club bar
areas, but that should not take too long if the
Unions apply the necessary muscle on behalf of
their long suffering members. We propose to help
this along with some active canvassing of bar
staff as an exercise for World NO TOBACCO Day
on 31 May. The important thing is that the
politicians have started to get the message and
should be able to stand up to the tobacco lobby
without having to be propped up at every turn.
They must surely realise they lack credibility with
the public if they continue to favour the short-term
revenue from tobacco over the long-term health
damage to citizens.
LOST BUSINESS FURPHY
To his credit the Health minister dismissed claims
that the reforms would hurt business. He cited the
Canberra, ACT, experience over five years where
the bans on smoking in restaurants have not
resulted in any decline in business or revenue.
He recognised this as just typical scare tactics by
the tobacco lobby.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RALLY ON WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY
Have you never attended an NSMA rally before?
Well now is your chance. Meet in the foyer of the
TRADES HALL BUILDING AT 4 GOULBURN STREET SYDNEY
(opposite china town) AT 12 NOON ON WEDNESDAY 31 MAY.
Wave a placard, shout and be heard, you
achieve nothing sitting at home. The crying baby
gets the attention! There will be two themes. First
to mobilise the bar workers not to take their
occupational health exclusion lying down. Second
to launch our campaign for smoke-free open air
venues including the city streets.
COFFEE SHOP WAR
For many years the NSMA workers and
volunteers have patronised Moor's coffee shop
and eatery located in Sussex Street just near the
NSMA office in the Trades Hall Building. It was
not uncommon for 10 to 15 members to relax
there with a tea, coffee or soft drinks to recover
from the rigours of protest demonstrations outside
Parliament, or at some other city location. Our No
Smoking protest signs were on show and the
proprietors were very aware of our campaigning.
In addition Brian McBride regularly bought
lunches and coffees while working in the office.
Hence it was a shock to him when the proprietors
"spat the dummy" and ordered him out of the shop
on 6 March 2000 with a threat never to enter
there again or, if he did, he would not be served.
Background.
Brian Interviewed by Channel Seven
Brian had pointed out years ago that the smoke pollution in their shop was very objectionable and that it was in breach of occupational health laws. The three brothers who own and run the place used to defend smoking as everybody's right and said you people should not be interfering with "their rights". You know how these illogical arguments go with some people. However Brian never made a big issue of it and opted to keep the peace because it was the quickest and closest shop. Most of the time he just bought take-away so as to minimise the exposure.
Bob Carr's leaked News. On Sunday 5 March Alex Mitchell wrote an encouraging article in the Sun Herald predicting that the NSW Government was going to bring in restrictions on smoking in all restaurants before the Olympic Games in September. This was considered to be a further leak from Carr's office after the kite-flying of December 1999, suggesting it might happen. When Brian went into Moor's Cafe next day, 6 March, he made light conversation while waiting for the coffee did you see the piece in yesterday's paper? That will mean there will be no more smoking in here then. Well, it was a bit like striking a match in a gas filled room. There was an explosion of words. The three fiery Italian brothers turned on him saying that he was a little Hitler, full of bullshit, doesn't know what he is talking about, will ruin our business etc., etc.,
Challenge Issued. Brian did not seek to promote the row but insisted that the advice which he had previously given, that smoking was already in breach of existing laws, was correct. The senior brother, Nathaniel, then issued a challenge to Brian in front of about six people in the shop. He said we are not breaking any law; you are full of bullshit. If Workcover can do anything to stop the smoking in here, you get them to do it. Go on, get them down here right now and I will prove they can't do anything. Brian gave him an escape opportunity - Do you realise what you are asking me to do, because, if you push it, I will be only too happy to make a complaint and get something done? He replied, go on you do it!
Complaint to Workcover NSW So the deed was done. Brian faxed a complaint to Workcover and sent a copy to the shop. Next minute the phone rang - did you send that fax - did you say we were rude and arrogant. Yes I did because that is the truth of the matter. He refused to give his name but he repeated the warning not to set foot in their shop again - or else.
WORKCOVER ACTION
An inspector visited the cafe in response to the
complaint and told the proprietors that passive
smoking now evident represented a risk of injury
to third parties such as members of the public and
confirmed that it was a breach of section 16 of the
OHSA Act. They issued the proprietors with a
"Notice" to assess means of risk minimisation and
advise Workcover how they would achieve it.
This seems a terribly oblique way to deal with the
issue. One would expect that Workcover would
simply charge them with a breach of Section 16 of
the Act and start fining them on a daily basis until
they eliminated smoking within their premises.
However it is such a politically sensitive issue that
Workcover have adopted a "softly - softly"
approach to investigating complaints.
Usually a visit from Workcover inspectors to other
types of workplaces subject to complaints is
sufficient for the owners/employers to shape up
and impose smoking bans for fear of being
prosecuted by Workcover. There is seldom need
for Workcover to get out the big stick. The
exceptions, however are hotels and restaurants,
where the proprietors get away with lip service or
promises with no real follow up action by
authorities. Usually the few complainants, even
members of NSMA, feel frustrated and give up.
POLICE ACTION
Brian complained to the local police that he had
been threatened with non specific assault if he
entered the premises from which he was
unlawfully banned. The police scratched their
heads as they tried to understand the basic
complaint that the Occupational Health Laws
were being breached and that he was fully
entitled to complain about it without being
threatened or banned. They really did not want to
know about it, but he persisted until they
undertook to check the facts with Workcover.
You won't be surprised to hear that two days
later the police rang to say they had been
informed by Workcover that there was not
actually any enforceable law being broken and it
was only a policy of Workcover to discourage
smoking when complaints were received.
Therefore the police said Brian had no legal basis
to hassle the proprietors and if they saw fit to
refuse him entry to their premises he would be
trespassing if he did enter them. In fact they said
if they were called re this dispute they would have
no option but to arrest Brian as the offender!
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH STORY
A press release was issued to draw attention to
what non smokers have to put up with. The
Sunday Telegraph asked Brian to stand in front of
the shop with one hand on the front door for
photos. One of the fiery brothers immediately
warned him not to touch his shop and not to come
in. Another got a hose and started to splash it
around where he was standing so that he had to
move away from the shop. After they put the hose
away the Telegraph directed him to stand in
another position in front of the shop in another
attempt to get photos. Again the hose came out
and the whole footpath area each side of the
shop was relentlessly watered down forcing Brian
to keep moving. With very agile footwork and split
second timing the Telegraph eventually got their
photos and Brian only got his pants wet!
CHANNEL SEVEN NEWS The next day reporter John Collis interviewed Brian outside the cafe and then watched him go inside in defiance of the ban. The cameras were rolling but the three brothers went to water and did nothing but loudly complain that he was a troublemaker. They told the reporter , do you know he is such a troublemaker that he has been banned from every club in Parramatta, and we won't serve him here. When Brian proceeded to sit down and ordered a coffee, Nathanial made a big show of rushing to the phone and then came back and announced that the police had been called to throw him out. Channel Seven waited patiently for the action they wanted, but after half an hour another brother owned up that they were only bluffing and the police had not been called.
SYDNEY CITY TIMES
The story made the front page of this city paper
as illustrated in the photo with Olga Aguirre
holding it up. However it did not get to air on
Channel Seven or get published in the Sunday
Telegraph. We suspect a major factor was their
inability to get a quick and accurate response
from Workcover on the true position with the law.
Olga Outside the Cafe Luna
SMOKERS' FRIENDS IN LABOR COUNCIL
Back in the office Brian then received a call from
someone purporting to represent the NSW Labor
Council. Many labor heavies from the Trades Hall
use the cafe and often labor politicians can be
seen in there with them having coffee. This
person told Brian that he was wrong and the
proprietors were quite within their rights to allow
smoking in their shop. When Brian quoted the
respective sections of the legislation and started
to question on what basis this person represented
the Labor Council the caller backed off and
decided not to pursue the matter. This only goes
to prove the degree of ignorance out there about
OHSA 1983, amongst people who could be
expected to know better.
ATTEMPTED FOLLOW UP
Brian was not about to give up and pursued it
through a series of unsatisfactory phone calls with
Workcover officers, who proved very difficult to
access, hiding behind voice mail messages. With
part time inspectors unavailable or out on the
road, it is not hard to understand why most
complainants usually give up from sheer
exhaustion. Brian wrote a factual account of just
how difficult it was to get a proper response from
Workcover and eventually received a reply which
said, "We are satisfied with the officers'
performance and the matter has been
investigated in accordance with correct
procedures".
NOTHING HAS CHANGED
Four weeks after the complaint nothing had
changed in the Café. People are still smoking and
Brian is still banned from entering the place. Last
advice from Workcover is that they are awaiting a
response from the owners. Meanwhile they said
their legislation did not cover such issues as the
ban and they could not assist further.
Of course the whole matter now will be over-taken
by the new direct "no smoking" laws and we can
stop struggling with the indirect OHSA laws.
A HAPPY COFFEE SHOP STORY
In seeking out another coffee shop in the area
Brian discovered the CAFÉ LUNA at 368 Sussex
Street, near the corner of Liverpool St. He was
delighted to find that it was a totally smoke-free
café although it was not obvious outside and you
only see the signs when you go in. The proprietor
is Olga Aguirre and she tells of much difficulty in
maintaining her policy over the four years she has
been there. Young female office workers from that
building, which is home to radio station 2GB, and
some of the men boycott her shop because she
will not let them smoke. They will go further down
the street and buy take-away coffee and hold it up
as a defiant gesture as they walk past her café.
Another problem is smokers standing just outside
the doorway to smoke and drink their coffee. The
smoke still invades the inside of the cafe and
Olga has to chase them away. She is very serious
about not subjecting her patrons to passive
smoking. Brian has warmly congratulated her on
her stand and pointed out that she is doing what
the law requires, even though she did not
understand the details of OHSA 1983, she just
hates smoke pollution. The photo shows Olga
outside her café. She is very pleased that the
proposed new NSW bans on smoking will include
her competitors and she will not be subjected to
any more harassment from inconsiderate
smokers.
THE FUTURE OF NSMA
Does the great victory in NSW mean that there is
no need for NSMA to continue its pioneering
work? The answer is NO we must keep going for
all these reasons:
- We are a national organisation and much
work needs to be done on the remaining
states, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and
Northern Territory.
- The enforcement of new smoke-free laws
needs to be vigorously followed up. Don't
assume it will all happen through council and
Workcover inspectors.
- The new laws, even in other states are not
perfect. There are too many exemptions and
loopholes that must be eliminated.
- The Governments are sure to reduce funding
to their anti-smoking programs.
- The tobacco companies will step up their
funding on indirect advertising and sneaky
promotions to keep recruiting smokers.
- We have to keep attacking the Greiners in
their secure Australian base which is master-
minding the spread of tobacco disease in
ASIA.
- We still have to win the "open air" war
Hence all members are urged to keep up their
renewals and keep sending those extra
donations. The better our funding, the more
things we can do.
THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY LOBBIES
GOVERNMENT AGAINST LEGAL ACTION
The prospect of legal action by states to recover
public health costs prompted the tobacco industry
to launch an intense lobbying campaign to head
off the action. Head of British American Tobacco
(BAT) in Australia, Gary Krelle wrote to each
State and Territory Attorney General seeking a
meeting prior to the planned meeting of all State
Attorney Generals in March 2000 . His letter
states that as governments receive more in tax
then they spend on health costs of treating
smoking related disease, they could not suffer a
loss. This is the usual rubbish and propaganda
they are so practised at. The full text was covered
in the Financial Review, together with legal
opinions by QC Peter Semmler and barrister
Philip Taylor. This can be accessed at
www.afr.com.au.
Responsible Management Poster
RESULT OF ATTORNEYS' MEETING
All State, Commonwealth and the New Zealand
Attorneys-General have agreed to establish a
working party to consider the viability of a joint
action against tobacco companies. State Council
of Attorney Generals (SCAG) agreed to refer the
tobacco industry litigation to a working party of
State and Territory Crown Solicitors, and the
Australian Government Solicitor, to identify
potential causes of action and to provide advice
on prospects of success in the context of
collective action in various jurisdictions. The
working party will also consult with legal experts
in the field. We hope this "working party" will
come up with a positive recommendation. There
will be no excuse for failing to follow the example
of the American Attorneys Generals who won
back billions for state coffers.
DECISION WELCOMED
Executive Director of Quit Victoria, Todd Harper
and other health spokespersons said the decision
is a warning to tobacco companies that they are
not above the law, and should be prepared to
account for their actions in court. Tobacco
companies have fought tooth and nail to prevent
the truth being revealed to the public about the
harmful effects of smoking. Even as recently as
only two or three years ago industry chiefs were
still denying the relationship between smoking
and cancer, in the face of overwhelming medical
evidence to the contrary. It was only in 1997 that
the CEO of WD and HO Wills claimed that he
was not aware of any causal relationship between
lung cancer, heart disease and smoking. In the
same year the CEO of Philip Morris said
causation between smoking and disease had not
been proved by scientists. Smoking is killing
thousands of Australians, and it is time the
tobacco companies were forced to account for
their actions. This must happen by litigation or
action by Australian Parliaments to enact
legislation that regulates an industry that has
abrogated its obligations to Australia and caused
so much death and disease.
DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY ACTION
Dr Peter Davoren, President of the DRS, is a
strong campaigner against smoking and called for
all forms of tobacco advertising to be banned.
The Doctors' Reform Society urged the
Attorneys'-General meeting in Melbourne to stop
cigarette companies promoting the habit. Dr
Davoren also said nicotine patches should be
added to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme.
There is urgent need to eliminate the advertising
ban exemptions, which are granted for the seven
major international sporting events held in
Australia.
WA CALLS FOR CLOSURE OF CIGAR BARS
I'll Do Anything For Money
Recently released US research showing that cigars are more deadly then first thought has prompted Western Australia's Heart and Cancer foundations to call for an end to cigar bars and cigar promotions. The Australian Hotels Association WA executive director says WA already has Australia's most stringent smoking regulations, and the foundations are 'trying to have another bite at the apple when they have already had a major win'.( Ed. How unsporting of them!)
DYING SMOKERS RECEIVES $33M TOBACCO PAY OUT
In California, a jury has awarded $33 million in
punitive damages to a woman who began
smoking after cigarette packets in the US carried
warning labels. The decision is the first time a
damages claim has been awarded to a smoker
who began smoking after health warnings were
introduced on cigarette packs. The jury rules that
Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds acted with malice,
knew about the health hazards of smoking, and
deliberately mislead the public. Both companies
have indicated they intend to appeal the decision.
The decision comes as closing arguments have
begun in a Miami class action on behalf of
thousands of sick Florida smokers, with one
lawyer tipping the jury ruling could award billions
in damages.
SURFER FEEDBACK
Message from ex-smoker after reading our Web
Site.
Wow,
You guys must have nothing to do all day! I
recently quit smoking, because it is the healthier
option, but reading about you, I am now
considering taking it up again, just to annoy you.
You guys would drive any smoker to drink. Any
decent fascist could learn a thing or two from you.
So, 1 out of 10 for style, but several billion out of
ten for commitment.
Puzzled, Attila
Ed note: It's good to see we are getting to them!
ILLEGAL TOBACCO
Talk back radio callers in Victoria have reported
seeing children sell illegal tobacco to pensioners
seeking cheap smokes. Bad quality illegal
tobacco is sold for $25 and good quality for $30.
ONE NATION DOES SOMETHING RIGHT
One Nation Party's David Oldfield went on
Sydney radio to condemn smoking by our
teenagers. He makes the valid point that there
are no laws for children under 18 not to smoke,
only not to purchase cigarettes. He reported that
he has drafted a private members' Bill to stop
minors from being legally allowed to smoke. Lets
hope he can succeed with support from other
parties.
WHO PAID FOR THIS COMMENT?
On 3 May Alan Jones complained bitterly on
Radio 2GB that Legislation goes before State
Parliament this week to ban smoking in
restaurants and the eating areas of pubs and
clubs. This will affect small businesses.
Cigarettes are a legal product, so what the hell
are we doing?. It is an absolute nonsense!, he
said. I wonder how much money Jones and Laws
have invested, or did have invested in tobacco
company shares, over the years that they have
defended the industry . I wonder, even more, why
the Australian Broadcasting Authority does not
declare such comments as paid advertisements
where the commentators do have a financial
interest in the outcomes. We have a pecuniary
interest register for politicians, so why not for
commentators, some of whom have more
influence than politicians.
A WIN FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY
On 22 March 2000 the US Supreme Court
handed down a landmark decision, ruling that the
Government does not have the authority to
regulate tobacco as an addictive drug. The ruling
- narrowly won by a margin of just one vote- is a
major blow for the Clinton administration's main
anti-smoking initiative. the ruling is being hailed
by the tobacco industry as a victory, and has
seen Philip Morris stock price rise sharply on the
NY stock exchange.
Enlarged Cartoon
MORE BAD NEWS ON 13TH FEBRUARY 2000
The landmark Federal Court decision handed
down that day was a set-back for the pro-health
forces. The court ruled that there was not
sufficient common ground between the estimated
60,000 victims who would benefit from a CLASS
ACTION. They smoked different brands at
different times and suffered differing diseases
etc., Hence it said they could sue individually but
not as a single class. The Law firm Slater and
Gordon says it may go to the High Court to
appeal the decision. It really is disgusting to see
the amount of money and the resources thrown
in by tobacco companies against legal
proceedings to prevent people accessing the
courts. Their real concern is they don't want
courts to hear evidence of their lies and
deception.
NEW BREATHE EASY PROJECT
Mr Rob Moodie, CEO, VicHealth , entertainer
Dianna Wolfenden and solicitor, Mr David
Libermann spoke at a press conference to launch
a new Guide In March aimed at venue managers
detailing how to become smoke-free
environments. They described the experience of
the Panthers complex in becoming smoke-free,
including reduced operating costs, attracting new
patrons currently excluded by smoking venues,
operational issues, and the success in educating
patrons about smoke free venues. Dianna
Wolfenden spoke about beginning the Breathing
Easy project, including her experiences as a
performer and that of other performers most of
whom greatly welcome smoke free venues. Mr
Libermann detailed many of the legal issues
surrounding employers providing safe workplaces
to employees and the duty of care to patrons. He
also countered queries about the rights of
smokers in venues. . Let us hope that other clubs
and venues take note and that Victoria soon
becomes smoke-free like NSW.
SHOPS PUSH FOR SMOKE BANS
Queensland's Shopping Centre Council has
called on the Government to introduce smoking
bans in shopping centres, following Victorian
Health Minister John Thwaites announcement last
week that legislation to introduce smoking bans in
restaurants would be widened to shopping
centres. The council says centres need their
policies to be backed by law. Let us hope this is
the start of some serious action in Queensland,
which has been very slow off the mark on anti-
smoking action.
EXPERT SAYS 'SMOKE FREE' SOCIETY IS INEVITABLE
A leading expert in social and behavioural
research says that we are currently seeing a
'social revolution' in smoking, with new research
showing an increasing number of smokers are
regulating their own smoking in public and in
private. Director of the newly established
VicHealth Centre for Tobacco Control, Dr Ron
Borland, revealed research that shows over 70%
of indoor workers report being protected by total
smoking bans. Visitor smoking is increasingly
discouraged in both smoking and non-smoking
households, with the number of smoking
households discouraging smoking rising by 40%
in the last ten years; and the rate of smokers
smoking outside their home has doubled over the
last 4 years, with over 40% of smokers now
reporting they always smoke outside their homes.
AMA SEEKS MORE FUNDING FOR ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGNS
The Australian Medical Association is seeking an
additional $60 million for anti-tobacco campaigns.
The proposal is outlined in their pre-budget
submission to the federal Government. National
president Dr David Brand said funding for tobacco
control should be equal with the tax revenue of $4
billion annually, $66 million of which come from
under 18's.
WHY KIDS SMOKE
Enlarged Cartoon
A new study shows positive parenting, and less pocket money help prevent adolescent smoking. The study has found that high school students who smoke are more likely to have more than $20 a week pocket money, to have no rules at home about not smoking, to not feel close to their father, and be from an English-speaking background. NSW Cancer Council Cancer Prevention Manager, Jeanie McKenzie, said the study confirmed that school students were more likely to smoke if they thought their peers supported them smoking. The study also found that students who smoke were more likely to have family members who smoke, spend three or more evenings a week out with friends and have negative perceptions of the school environment.
DICK SMITH ATTACKS TOBACCO AGAIN
Entrepreneur Dick Smith has been in the media
again talking about his latest adventure, flying a
hot air balloon from NZ to Australia. He was
promoting his line of Oz Buy goods such as Dick
Smith peanut butter and the impending launch of
his helicopter jelly and Ozemite He says it's not
good to know Vegemite is owned by Phillip
Morris, a cigarette company. Good on you Dick,
keep knocking those international drug pushers
who don't give the kids of the world an even
break.
LIBERALS IN BED AGAIN
Konrad Jamrozik, Associate Professor, Public
Health UWA, tackled Prime Minister, John
Howard on radio, about inadequate funding for
quit campaigns and the disgraceful Philip Morris
sponsorship of the Liberal Party State
Conferences last year and again this year.
Howard was uncomfortable with his answers but
has defended getting into bed with Philip Morris
because 60% of their revenue does not come
from tobacco, he says. Perhaps, Prime Minister,
that means 60% of the deaths they cause don't
really matter after all. We wonder how long will it
take for the Liberal Party to get out from under the
thumb of big tobacco? Their blindness to the
tobacco scourge will blacken all future accounts
of their history in this country.
AMA ATTACKS TAX CONCESSIONS
The Labor Opposition has backed calls from the
Australian Medical Association for the Federal
Government to exclude tobacco companies from
research and development tax concessions. This
followed revelations that Phillip Morris received
up to 0.5million dollars per year in tax
concessions for research work designed to
develop high tar cigarettes for export to Africa and
the middle east. The AMA rightly called this a
national disgrace. It was bad enough that the
Government subsidised any production of
tobacco in this country but it was appalling that it
should help damage the health of our neighbours
in the developing world. Leader of the Opposition,
Kim Beazley said such companies should be cut
off from government assistance for this type of
research work.
LATE NEWS BUT GOOD NEWS
The Labor Government in Victoria has just
introduced legislation aimed at bringing the same
smoking bans in restaurants as in NSW from 1
November 2000.
HALLELUJAH! NOW FOR QUEENSLAND, TASMANIA & NORTHERN TERRITORY.
The Non Smokers' Movement of Australia - 2000.