MEDIA RELEASE: Burnet welcomes expanded access to free quit-smoking support

Burnet welcomes expanded access to free quit-smoking support

Independent Member for Clark Helen Burnet MP has congratulated ​​​​​the Tasmanian Government on expanding access to free nicotine replacement products, making it easier for Tasmanians aged 12 and over to get help to quit smoking or vaping.

The expanded QuitTas program offers eligible participants a 12-week course of nicotine patches, gum or lozenge​​​s, alongside support from quit-smoking counsellors. The products can be worth up to $300 over the course of the program, helping to remove a significant financial barrier for people trying to quit.

“Quitting smoking can be difficult, and the cost of getting help should not be another obstacle,” Ms Burnet said.

“I congratulate the Government on extending this support to more Tasmanians. Making evidence-based quitting aids available, alongside practical support, is a sensible investment in the health and wellbeing of our community.

“Smoking remains one of the most significant preventable causes of illness and premature death. Tasmania continues to have one of the highest smoking rates in Australia, so we need to do everything we reasonably can to help people quit.

“The most important measure of tobacco policy is whether it reduces smoking and the enormous harm that smoking causes — to individuals, families and the wider community.”

Ms Burnet said the expansion was a welcome example of the kind of practical intervention that could help turn tobacco policy objectives into better health outcomes.

“Too often, debate about tobacco policy becomes focused on tax, illegal tobacco and organised crime, without enough attention being paid to the central public health objective: helping people stop smoking. Because that’s the best way to break the black market business model.

“We can take the illicit tobacco trade seriously and support strong enforcement against organised crime while also investing in measures that help people quit. These are complementary objectives, not competing ones.

“Helping people quit improves their health, reduces the financial pressure of buying tobacco and, over time, reduces the market that illicit tobacco sellers depend on.”

Ms Burnet said the Government should continue to build on this initiative and ensure that tobacco-control measures are backed by accessible, properly funded cessation services.

“Up to 90 per cent of smokers want to quit. That represents a significant opportunity to improve public health if we give people the support and tools they need.

“I would encourage anyone thinking about quitting smoking or vaping to contact QuitTas and find out what support is available.

“The Government deserves credit for taking this step. The next priority should be to sustain that commitment, measure the results and make sure support reaches the Tasmanians who need it most.”