SmokeFree Tasmania is holding a workshop in Launceston on Friday 25 with key invited experts on tobacco control, to map out a plan for tobacco control, given the failure of the state government to adopt measures to phase out tobacco sales.
Topics of discussion include:
• Should smokers have priority for Covid19 vaccinations – due to their increased vulnerability?
• What are the health implications of legalisation of marijuana, often used with tobacco?
• How do we reduce supply, and prevent uptake in children?
• What is the role of health professionals in smoking reduction?
• What are the economic benefits of reducing smoking rates in Tasmania?
• What does vaping do to lungs?
• What is the history and the continuous scandalous behaviour of the tobacco industry?
SmokeFree Tasmania will present a tribute to former Legislative Council member Ivan Dean for his contribution to the people of Tasmania and to tobacco control. Dean campaigned for smoke free areas in Launceston, raised awareness of smoking related illness, and introduced two bills to Parliament to raise the tobacco sales age and to eventually phase out sales. His efforts were thwarted by tobacco industry front organisations and indifferent politicians.
“At present there are 70,500 smokers in Tasmania. 560 die each year from smoking related illnesses compared to the 13 who died from COVID-19. Why is the Gutwein government not acting on smoking – yet has taken dramatic steps, causing much business disruption, to eliminate COVID-19?” – Dr. Nick Towle, Co-convenor of SmokeFree Tasmania said.
“My dentist colleagues are often in tears, faced with treating people suffering from horrific smoking caused mouth cancers. Tasmania must act to stop the promotion of cigarettes and vaping to children.” – Professor Len Crocombe from the Latrobe University said.
