The Maori Affairs Select Committee tobacco inquiry report is finally out. I’m proud to have been part of putting such a bold set of recommendations to the Government.
The mood on the committee was to direct as much of the attention as possible towards making the industry itself more accountable and supporting smokers who want to quit. That’s why we favoured recommendations like removing tobacco displays, plain packaging and funding for nicotine replacement therapy.
We tried as much as possible to steer away from further impacting individual smokers. So we didn’t come out so strong on proposals like banning smoking in cars or in private homes. Personally I’m opposed to both. The only initiative that directly affects smokers is increasing excise tax.
I see the tobacco industry is upset as is their front organisation the Association of Community Retailers (sounds so friendly, doesn’t it).
Good. If they’re squealing it probably means we are on the right track. The question now is: Will the Government show the same ambition as the committee?
