MEDIA RELEASE

NICK XENOPHON M.L.C.

INDEPENDENT NO POKIES MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

27 October 2004

RANN GOVERNMENT ROLLS OVER ON SMOKING LAWS

(Even Maxi the Jack Russel knows it!)

● 'Dog of a media conference’ on at 12 noon today on the steps of Parliament House

The Rann Government has been savaged over its watered-down smoking laws – with one of Australia ’s leading tobacco control figures calling it a ‘sell out’.

The Legislative Council is due to finalise voting tonight on the Government’s Tobacco Control laws – with a series of amendments to accelerate the timetable for smoking bans being pushed for by the Democrats and No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon.

Anne Jones, CEO of ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) Australia says that:

“ South Australia is now at the end of the queue on tobacco reforms. Delaying smoke-free pubs, clubs and the Casino for three years will cost 125 lives and an unnecessary burden of disability and disease – that could be so easily avoided”.

Parliament will also vote on amendments being moved to reverse the Government’s back down on banning tobacco displays in shops – a move that ASH says will reduce smoking uptake by children.

Nick Xenophon is also moving an amendment for subsidised nicotine patches, to help smokers kick the habit, and ultimately reduce health care costs for South Australia . Yesterday the Government admitted that there were 75 000 bed days due to smoking disease at a cost of $70.9 million. The total cost of smoking disease in South Australia is estimated as approaching $2 billion per annum.

Written and authorised by Nick Xenophon, 653 Lower North East Road, Paradise, SA 5075