Dr Christian Rowan MP, State Member for Moggill and Member of the Health and Ambulance Services Committee, has supported the bipartisan Parliamentary Committee’s recommendation, that the LNP’s Private Members’ Bill, aimed at discouraging first-time smokers from lighting up, putting an end to passive smoking and incentivising smokers to quit, should be passed.
Dr Rowan said the committee’s recommendation reinforced the LNP’s efforts to reduce the rate of smoking amongst Queenslanders.
“The LNP introduced its bill in July to help smokers stub out the habit and stop young people from taking up smoking in the first place,” Dr Rowan said.
“A ban on cigarettes sold at ‘pop-up’ shops and smoking bans within five metres of
Queensland Government buildings, at public transport stops and stations,
pedestrian malls, and at swimming pools and skate parks all form part of the
LNP’s bill.
“We hope the Palaszczuk Labor Government supports the recommendation of the
bipartisan committee and votes to pass the LNP’s bill in Parliament.
“With half of all long-term smokers dying prematurely, the Parliament must act
decisively.
“We cannot afford for this to become another one of the Labor Government’s reviews.”
Dr Rowan said the bill builds upon the work done by the LNP in government to
reduce the number of young people taking up smoking.
“In government the LNP introduced some of the toughest laws to protect the public
including a ban on smoking on or within five metres of health facilities and
school grounds,” he said.
“We believe more can be done to encourage young Queenslanders to not ever take up the habit which is why we introduced this latest bill.
“The LNP remains the only party with a plan and despite being in Opposition,
continues to deliver solutions for a better, safer and healthier Queensland.”
FAST FACTS
Smoking accounts for 1 in 7 deaths in Queensland
Current smokers will die an average of 10 years earlier than non-smokers, with mortality rates increasing substantially with the increased intensity of smoking.
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and
disease, and health inequality in Queensland.
