Tasmania has been recognised for its contribution to tobacco control, receiving an achievement award in the AMA’s yearly awards announced tonight.

Tasmania received an A score in the awards, along with ACT. South Australia won the Dirty Ashtray award, receiving a D rating.

The Heart Foundation and Cancer Council Tasmania have praised the award saying it is a well-deserved accolade for Tasmania.

“It’s great to be at the top of the class for tobacco control in Tasmania,” Heart Foundation CEO Graeme Lynch said.

“We hear about Tasmania being the rotten apple in the basket in many health areas but the actions State Government and other organisations have taken in the last year should be commended.”

Cancer Council Tasmania CEO Penny Egan welcomed the award, but said Tasmania needs to “stop smoking”.

“Tasmania has the highest rate of daily smokers in Australia, except for the Northern Territory. Our daily rate is 21.7% versus the Australian average of 16.3% – in 2014, this is simply unacceptable as a health risk.

“Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Australia. Exposure to tobacco smoke, passive smoking, is a significant cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in Tasmania.”

Mrs Egan said Tasmania’s anti-smoking legislation is strong, but took years to achieve.

“Cancer Council Tasmania believes we need continued investment by government at all levels to keep the pressure on decreasing overall smoking rates.”

Mr Lynch said smoking remains a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.

“If you smoke, you are at least twice as likely to have a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke.

“The Tasmanian Government is to be congratulated for taking leadership in legislating for increased smoke-free areas in public places and more recent increases in investment in social marketing campaigns.

“These measures will save lives and reduce smoking related diseases that put pressure on our hospitals,” he said.

National Tobacco Scoreboard:
Tas and ACT
A
NT, WA, NSW and Qld
B
Vic
C
SA
D
Emily Sonners, Communications Officer