About 600 Tasmanians die each year from smoking-related illnesses and independent MP Helen Burnet says proposed tobacco reforms will not do enough to reduce that number.
The Clark MP, who formerly sat with the Greens, has backed the state government’s draft legislation to crack down on illicit tobacco and vapes but wants stronger public health measures included.
“Current legislation has a loophole you could drive through with a semi-trailer filled with contraband cigarettes and vapes,” she said.
Burnet, a trained podiatrist who helped introduce smoking bans in Hobart’s CBD while serving on the local council, said the government was missing an opportunity.
She welcomed tougher penalties for illegal sales but argued the reforms focused too heavily on protecting legitimate retailers rather than cutting smoking rates.
“These are appalling statistics,” she said of the annual death toll from cancer, respiratory illness and vascular disease linked to smoking.
“That amounts to approximately 6,000 lives lost to hideous illnesses associated with smoking vapes and cigarettes, during this government’s time in office.”
She also criticised cuts to Quit Tasmania’s funding, calling it a “false economy” that would condemn young people to lifelong addiction.
“The key to success of public health campaigns is strong legislation, strong, targeted education which Quit Tasmania does so well and strong enforcement,” she said.
Health Minister Bridget Archer released the draft legislation last week, describing it as part of a staged crackdown on illegal tobacco.
Joint operations between health officials and police over the past fortnight seized 2.1 million cigarettes, more than 1,000 kilograms of loose tobacco and 735 vapes worth an estimated $3.2 million.
Archer said the legislation proposed new offences, increased penalties and powers to shut down non-compliant businesses.
“This will help further protect the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians, making our tobacco enforcement activities some of the toughest in the country and complement the actions we have already taken,” she said.
Burnet said enforcement alone was not enough.
“The government must close the loopholes, not just to benefit legitimate tobacco retailers, but to more importantly help people never start smoking, to help quit the habit and to ensure enforcement officers are penalising those who are not toeing the line,” she said.
Public consultation on the draft bill closes on March 6.
