Hon Tariana Turia

Associate Minister of Health

25 May 2012 Media Statement

Tobacco excises passes first reading

Hon Tariana Turia, Associate Minister of Health, is pleased that the Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products – Budget Measures) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading with broad support from across the house.

Mrs Turia said “I am excited that we are making progress towards our goal of having a smokefree Aotearoa by 2025. This Bill is one more step towards living lives free from tobacco related illnesses.”

“In New Zealand13 people per day die from smoking related illnesses, 5000 per year. That is a travesty considering that these illnesses can be prevented through living smokefree lives.”

“We know that tobacco excise is an effective means of preventing young people from taking up smoking, and it is a proven disincentive for current smokers.”

“Of course, this legislation is but one of the measures that we are putting in place to achieve our goal of smokefree Aotearoa. We have support in place for those wanting to give up smoking such as quitline, aukati kai paipa and nicotine replacement therapy; we will be removing tobacco displays from retailers in the next two months; and budget 2012 also provided for $20million over four years for new approaches to support our pathway to smokefree Aotearoa.”

“The health and wellbeing of our whanau have always been at the centre of the moves towards a smokefree Aotearoa, and as we take this next step in our journey, I acknowledge the many public health advocates, politicians, researchers and whanau members who have played a role in advancing this smokefree agenda over the years.”

“The Bill has now passed its first reading and will be referred to the Finance and Expenditure Control Select Committee. I look forward hearing from the wider community before we progress to second and third readings of the Bill later this year” said Mrs Turia.

ENDS

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