'Today's meeting of attorneys-general to discuss legal action against tobacco companies is laudable and every effort should be made to recoup the costs of ill-health associated with smoking. The lack of action by our governments in smoking prevention is however of serious concern' said Dr Peter Davoren, President, Doctors' Reform Society.

'As with gambling revenue our governments are addicted to the income associated with smoking and are scared to take any action which harm their income' claimed Dr Davoren.

It is not reasonable to condone the sale of a product which kills thousands of Australians every year and leaves many more sick or disabled so long as the tobacco companies pay to clean up the mess.

Our attorneys-general and health ministers should immediately move to ban all tobacco advertising in Australia including at sporting events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Gold Coast Indy Car Race. Nicotine patches should be available on the PBS so people of low income, those most likely to be addicted to smoking are more able to access an effective method of smoking cessation.

For further information:

Dr Peter Davoren
President, Doctors' Reform Society

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