CATHERINE KING MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH MEMBER FOR BALLARAT

MEDIA RELEASE ABBOTT GOVERNMENT MUST CLARIFY POSITION ON TOBACCO EXCISE IMMEDIATELY Reports today that the Abbott Government will scrap the proposed tobacco excise increase must be clarified immediately. Each year smoking kills 15,000 Australians and costs society and the economy $31.5 billion. In government, Labor used tobacco excise increases to invest in Quitline, made nicotine patches available through the PBS, invested substantially in social marketing on the health effects of smoking, and reduced the duty free allowance for those bringing cigarettes into the country. Most significantly, Labor introduced world first plain packaging legislation, removing the last avenue for advertising cigarettes. "The reduction in Australia's smoking rate is the result of sustained, concerted and comprehensive public policy reforms from all levels of government as well as the support of public health organisations. If this government is serious about public health they must commit to this excise increase immediately", Ms King said. TUESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2013 MEDIA CONTACT: ALEXANDER WHITE 0488 134 359