Brian Brady
Premier Anna Bligh announced today that Queensland is on the way to outlawing all smoking and smoking-related displays in retail stores. It follows the Federal Government’s decision to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products and to also increase the tax on cigarettes by 25%.
Smoking kills 3400 Queenslanders every year – with more than 30,000 admitted to hospital with smoking-related illnesses, and is consequently costing us $6.3 billion a year. It’s been hoped that the signage ban will stop the undermining of smoker’s efforts to kick the habit.
In 2010, a move was made to introduce $200 on-the-spot fines to anyone caught smoking in their car with children under 16 years of age present, adding to previous changes in legislation regarding smoking near entrance ways and in other public places i.e. bus stops and train stations.
What do you think? Is it a sensible move by the State Government? Or will it have no effect on Queensland smokers whatsoever?