Paul O’Halloran MP
Greens Health spokesperson
Thursday, 24 May 2012
The Tasmanian Greens today used the findings of an international study, which involved researchers at the Menzies Research Institute of Tasmania, that emphasises the importance of limiting the exposure of children to cigarette smoke, to issue a challenge to the Liberal Party to give up their acceptance of tobacco donations.
Greens Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said that the mounting evidence is undeniable that smoking has immediate and long-term health ramifications for both people and for health budgets.
“This latest international report has delivered a serious warning about the irreversible impact on the cardiovascular health later in life, of children who have been exposed to their parents’ cigarette smoke,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“Tobacco is clearly impacting on the health of our children who are not smokers, as well as smokers. The ongoing negative health impacts inflicted upon children is serious and we must focus on driving good policies that tackle this massive social health issue.”
“The first step of leadership that the State Liberal Party could take is to finally declare that they have abandoned their current policy of accepting political donations from Big Tobacco.”
“The 31st of May is World No Tobacco Day and the Greens are calling on Jeremy Rockliff, to seize this opportunity to announce that the Liberals have Quit their current addiction to tobacco donations.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Health spokesperson
