The latest statutory review of Western Australia’s Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 has been opened for public comment.
Minister for Health, Roger Cook said that while rates of smoking were declining in the State, it remained the leading cause of preventable death and illness.
“Two out of three long-term Western Australian smokers are likely to die from smoking,” Mr Cook said.
He said that in 2018, around 11 per cent of Western Australian adults were current smokers, down from 22 per cent in 2002.
The consultation, which includes a discussion paper and online questionnaire, aims to assess the operation and effectiveness of all provisions in the Act.
Mr Cook said the consultation covered laws that prohibited the supply of tobacco products and smoking implements to young people; regulations on the sale and promotion of tobacco products, and prohibitions on the sale of products that resembled tobacco products.
It also sought comment on reducing people’s exposure to tobacco smoke from others smoking tobacco products.
“While this review is a legislative requirement, it’s important to ensure that tobacco laws remain contemporary, relevant and responsive to new and emerging issues in tobacco control,” Mr Cook said.
“The ongoing review of our State tobacco legislation will play an important role in further reducing smoking.”
Stakeholders can complete the online survey via the Department of Health’s Consultation Hub. Submissions close on 6 November, after which the Department will analyse results and submit a report to the Minister.
The Department’s Consultation Hub can be accessed at this PS News link.
