TOBACCO REFORM MUST BE GOOD FOR HEALTH, NOT JUST TO PROTECT BUSINESS
The independent MP for Clark, Helen Burnet has called for amendments planned to tighten illicit tobacco sales to deliver better health outcomes for all Tasmanians, too.
Ms Burnet trained as a Podiatrist and when she was elected to Hobart City Council helped introduce smoking bans in Hobart’s CBD and other areas, due to concerns about health impacts.
Ms Burnet today stated “Current Legislation has a loophole you could drive through with a semi-trailer filled with contraband cigarettes and vapes.
“While I welcome the government’s move to amend legislation to make penalties tougher and break supply chains, the government has the perfect opportunity to also strengthen action to reduce smoking rates.
“Per annum, approximately 600 Tasmanians die from cancer, respiratory illnesses and peripheral vascular disease attributable to smoking. That amounts to approximately 6,000 lives lost to hideous illnesses associated with smoking vapes and cigarettes, during this government’s time in office. These are appalling statistics”.
Ms Burnet has also stated she is concerned about cuts to Quit Tasmania funding.
“The key to success of public health campaigns is strong legislation, strong, targeted education which Quit Tasmania does so well, and strong enforcement.
“Halving Quit Tasmania’s funding to crucial education strategies, often targeted at young Tasmanians, is condemning people to a lifetime of smoking addiction. It is a false economy.
“If Minister Archer is serious about the preventive health strategy for Tasmania, which I welcome, then this is the place to start. Smoking kills too many Tasmanians. Nobody should go through the agony of a smoking-related cancer nor death from smoking.
“The government must close the loopholes, not just to benefit legitimate tobacco retailers, but to more importantly help people never start smoking, to help quit the habit, and to ensure enforcement officers are penalising those who are not toeing the line.”
Consultation on the amendments is open until 6th March 2026: