7 December 2023
The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) has congratulated the Australian Parliament on today passing the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2023.
“The parliament’s action, which fulfils the Government’s historic update of national tobacco laws, represents one of the most important moments in Australia’s public health history,” Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) CEO, Adj Prof Terry Slevin, said.
The Bill consolidates all of Australia’s current tobacco measures into a single Act and adds a suite of new protection measures including tackling digital advertising.
“This new legislation, coupled with vaping regulations which take effect from 1 January 2024, will save tens of thousands of lives, and reassert the country as a world-leader in tobacco control,” Adj Prof Slevin said.
“Congratulations and thank you to Health Minister Mark Butler for leading this important reform, and to the members of parliament and senators for their support. We also congratulate the public health experts and the broader public health community for their tireless advocacy over many years that has culminated in this legislation.
“Today is a very good day for the health of people in Australia. Perhaps more importantly it is excellent news for children in Australia, and future generations, who will be better protected against the influences of the tobacco industry.
“We can never forget that their products have killed hundreds of millions of people around the world. All of these deaths have been preventable.”
Available for interview:
Prof Emily Banks AM, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, Head of the Centre for Public Health Data and Policy at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University
Dr Raglan Maddox, Convenor, PHAA Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Special Interest Group, and Study Director of the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Evaluation, National Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, ANU
For further information/comment:
Paris Lord (he/him), PHAA Communications & Media Manager, 0478 587 917, plord@phaa.net.au
Contact details:
For further information/comment:
Paris Lord (he/him), PHAA Communications & Media Manager, 0478 587 917, plord@phaa.net.au