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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 5 Hansard (11 May) . . Page.. 1433 ..
MR MOORE (continuing):
Most importantly, however, the bill reflects the government's view that individual strategies, in isolation, will not be as effective as a range of strategies which complement each other. It is therefore important that, together with prohibiting the sale of herbal cigarettes to children, we take appropriate and consistent action to minimise the impact of the advertising and promotion of these products.
Retailers will still be free to display these products, in the same way that they display tobacco products, and information can be displayed on a product information notice or price board. This initiative is supported by ACT retailers and health groups. Retailers and proprietors recognise that it will be simpler for them and their customers to have a single set of rules for the sale, advertising, promotion, display and use of all smoking products.
Before closing, I would like to acknowledge the role of Mr Rugendyke in encouraging the government to take this opportunity to introduce appropriate controls on herbal smoking products. Mr Rugendyke's concern about the advertising and promotion of herbal smoking products prompted him to call for these products to be banned, or at least subject to some controls. Particular concerns were raised in relation to the advertising for one brand of herbal cigarettes, which was based on claims about how this particular product was similar to marijuana-a message which seems calculated to deliberately contradict and undermine strategies to minimise the attraction of drug use.
As I have said, there are also concerns about the harmful effects of these products and I am grateful to Mr Rugendyke for highlighting the current situation in which these products are virtually unregulated in terms of their advertising and sale, and for expressing support for the government's approach in subjecting these products to the same strict controls as those for tobacco products.
Mr Speaker, although the bill looks quite substantial, the detailed changes are necessary because of the number of provisions in the principal legislation where references to "tobacco" and "tobacco products" need to be changed to "smoking products". I am delighted to present the Smoking Products Legislation Amendment Bill 2000, which is important public health legislation deserving of your support.
Debate (on motion by Mr Stanhope ) adjourned.
MR MOORE (Minister for Health and Community Care) (11.23): I present the Transplantation and Anatomy Amendment Bill 2000, together with its explanatory memorandum.
Title read by Clerk.
MR MOORE: I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
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