The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the passage of historic legislation to introduce a state-based ban on political donations from big tobacco companies.
Greens Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said that this important social policy reform, long held by the Greens, again demonstrated the power-sharing Parliament working to deliver for Tasmanians.
“The Greens welcome today’s historic passage of legislation through the Lower House to introduce a state-based ban on candidates or parties receiving political donations from tobacco companies,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“This move sees the Attorney General, Brian Wightman, deliver on a majority vote of this Chamber over a year ago in support of a Greens’ motion calling for this legislative reform.”
“If political representatives want to encourage smokers to end their tobacco addiction, then it’s only appropriate for political parties show leadership by ending end their addiction to tobacco company donations.”
“The community expects their elected representatives to walk the talk, particularly when Tasmania has the highest smoking rate across Australia.”
“My electorate of Braddon records a smoking rate approximately 10 per cent higher than the national average, and that takes a huge toll on the health of individuals and on the public health system.”
“A ban on big tobacco donations is just one aspect of our political donations reform package, and we will continue to pursue for further necessary reform.”
“We are confident the Legislative Council will support this progressive reform that will benefit Tasmanian health and ease the burden on the health system.”
Text of Greens’ Motion passed on the 28th of September last year calling for state based tobacco donations ban – passed with Labor support:
Paul O’Halloran MP on tomorrow to move –
That this House:
1. Notes that Tasmania has the highest smoking rates of all Australian states with Braddon recording a smoking rate of 29.7%, which is approximately 10 % above the national average;
2. Condemns efforts by big tobacco companies threats to campaign against the Federal Government’s plain packaging plans;
3. Applauds moves by New South Wales and other states to implement state-based political donation reforms which prohibits the acceptance by political parties of donations by tobacco companies; and
4. Calls for an immediate commitment to the introduction of Tasmanian state-based political donations restrictions that will prohibit political donations by tobacco companies being accepted by either state parties or individuals.
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Health spokesperson Tuesday, 13 November 2012
