Western Australian research shows nine children under the age of 14 die from passive smoking each year

Jul 27 2004

The Western Australian State Government must act immediately to save the lives of children in WA and toughen anti-smoking legislation, the AMA (WA) said today.

Research commissioned by the WA Cancer Council shows nine children under the age of 14 die from passive smoking each year.

"This is just one of the shocking statistics in the Cancer Council research," AMA (WA) President Dr Paul Skerritt said.

"As a result of cigarette smoking children are dying, there is massive cost to the community, business is suffering and yet the State Government does nothing."

"Doctors see the devastating results of cigarette smoking every day. Princess Margaret Hospital sees hundreds of children every year with preventable asthma as a result of parents who smoke."

"Patrons and staff at our pubs and clubs face serious health risks because of passive smoking."

"The AMA calls for an immediate ban on smoking in enclosed public places, demands the State Government properly funds anti-smoking campaigns aimed at parents and business and urgently toughens up our tobacco control legislation."

"The Government is telling us loud and clear that a smokers vote and a few hotel owners are more important than the lives of our children."

"Dr Gallop and his Government should be roundly condemned and do not deserve another term in office if they do not address smoking concerns BEFORE the next election," Dr Skerritt said.

http://www.amawa.com.au