Opposition must support Labor's smoking bans

August 19, 2008

Widespread smoking bans promised today by Health Minister Jim McGinty would catapult WA to the top of the nation's smoke reform ladder, the AMA (WA) said today.

"This would be a great step towards improving the health and wellbeing of all West Australians," said association President Prof Gary Geelhoed. "It would make our State a role model for every other government in Australia."

Prof Geelhoed said it was now up to the Opposition to match Labor's commitment and to stop kowtowing to the tobacco and liquor industries.

"It would be a tragedy if a change of Government meant these much needed reforms were abandoned,"he said.

Prof Geelhoed said the banning of smokers from all alfresco dining areas, in cars carrying children, playgrounds and on patrolled beaches would ensure that hundreds of thousands of WA families would be able to enjoy outdoor activities without having to inhale second hand smoke.

"Families would be able to go to an outdoor cafe or sit on the beach without being drowned in smoke – and children could travel in cars or play in the local kids' park without being poisoned," he said. "The future health benefits for the community would be enormous and help reduce the already overwhelming demand for cancer services which are struggling to cope." 

Prof Geelhoed said the Government's commitment, which also prevented retailers from displaying tobacco products, would be warmly welcomed by all health groups and the medical profession.

"Meanwhile we urge local councils not to wait for Government action but to take their own steps towards a ban on smoking in alfresco dining areas," he said. "Fremantle and Perth City councils have taken the lead and other councils should follow suit."

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