Newly-released documents relating to the long-running debate in the ACT over tobacco laws have been chosen by ArchivesACT as its Find of the Month for September.
In a statement, the Archives said the ACT had several legislative ‘firsts’ involving changes to tobacco legislation.
“The 1980s saw a period of strong anti-smoking campaigning. For the first time cigarette sales were on the decline and community members were starting to emphasise their right to live, work and play in smoke-free environments,” the Archives said.
“In 1990 the ACT raised the legal age for the procurement of tobacco products from 16 to 18 years, with then Minister for Health, Gary Humphries warning young smokers that even written permission from parents would not suffice.”
In 1994 the ACT became the first Australian jurisdiction to ban smoking in restaurants, and by 1998, the first to ban smoking in enclosed areas of pubs and clubs.
“In 2010 we were also the first to enforce display bans for general retailers of tobacco products,” the Archives said.
“However, as with any change in legislation, not everyone in the community was happy.
“Business owners, particularly restaurateurs, had grave concerns, with the Chief Executive of the Tobacco Institute of Australia warning that a total smoking ban in venues would be disastrous for business.”
By 1995, when the legislation was already partially implemented, some Canberran smokers even started their own political party with the Smokers are Voters and Civil Rights Party running in the 1995 election and winning approximately 2.3 per cent of the overall vote.
Records regarding the debate and amendments to the tobacco legislation were among those identified this year as available for public access.
Included in its papers is guidance from the Archives that help and advice on quitting smoking was available from ACT Health which offered a resource guide on its website.
That advice can be accessed at this PS News link.
