06 May 2011

NSW Government supports plain packaging of tobacco products

As part of a comprehensive approach to reducing smoking, the NSW Government supports mandating plain packaging with the inclusion of specified requirements for graphic health warnings, Health Minister Jillian Skinner said today.

Mrs Skinner today spoke in Parliament about the NSW Government’s support for the Commonwealth’s plans to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products.

“It’s important to reduce the attractiveness and appeal of tobacco products to consumers, particularly young people,” said Mrs Skinner.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals have supported all tobacco control legislation that has entered the Parliament and we feel the same with the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products,” she said.

“The O’Farrell Government was elected with a mandate to implement change and deliver improved services across the health portfolio, including a clear plan for preventative health.

The NSW Government’s commitments on preventative health include:

1. Establishing a Preventative Health Fighting Fund -- to keep people healthy and out of hospital
2. Establishing an Office of Preventative Health – to be located in South West Sydney. State-wide focus,   work in partnership with University of Western Sydney
3. Purchasing land for a new cancer research and treatment facilities next to Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle.

Mrs Skinner said she is proud of the NSW Liberals & Nationals strong track record on anti- smoking legislation.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals led the way in tobacco control measures – the Greiner and Fahey Governments were the first in Australia to ban smoking in public offices, tobacco advertising of sporting events and other anti-smoking measures,” said Mrs Skinner.

“We know that the social costs of smoking in NSW are over $8 billion annually and we need to do anything more we can to help combat that,” she said.

“The O’Farrell Government leads the way on keeping people healthy and out of unnecessary hospitalisation.”