24 October 2008

Minister confirms there will be no tobacco ads at racing events

Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), Tony Stewart, today said there was "no way" the new tobacco legislation currently before Parliament would allow tobacco company advertising at any racing events - "or anywhere else, for that matter".

"Any talk of the NSW Government supporting tobacco advertising at racing venues is a blatant misrepresentation of the facts," Mr Stewart said.

"This wording has been inadvertently carried over from the existing Bill - it is not new and has not been inserted into this Bill in an attempt to allow tobacco sponsorship in any form.

"It was always our intention that this bill would strengthen our fight against cancer.

"This is a drafting mistake in my Bill and I want it fixed," Mr Stewart said.

"The Government will remove the confusing wording when the Bill comes before the Upper House.

"The Rees Labor Government is 100 per cent committed to banning all tobacco advertising.

"As the newly appointed Minister responsible for cancer, I'm passionate about improving the health of all people across NSW by reducing their exposure to tobacco in all its forms," Mr Stewart said.

"Smoking is the greatest single cause of premature death and the leading cause of death in NSW.

"The Rees Government is leading the way in Australia's fight against this killer in our society.

"And I'm determined to maintain that pre-eminent position," Mr Stewart said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au