AUSTRALIA - 'No smoking' rules starting to bite, figures show
SMOKING rates have dropped below 15 per cent for the first time in Victoria, and young adults are no longer the most likely to smoke.
Figures released yesterday show that 14.4 per cent of Victorians were regular smokers last year - down from 15.3 per cent in 2010 and 21.2 per cent in 1998, when the Quit Victoria survey began.
Since 2005 regular smoking has declined most rapidly among young and disadvantaged people, who have traditionally been slow to take up anti-smoking messages.
Cancer Council Victoria's chief executive, Todd Harper, said smoking rates dropping below 15 per cent was a ''historic moment'' that could be attributed to greater tobacco control over the past five years.
Measures that contributed to the result included graphic warnings on cigarette packets, price increases, television advertising and smoke-free areas, he said.
A total of 16.5 per cent of Victorians aged 18 to 29 were regular smokers last year, dropping below those aged 30-49 who smoked, at a rate of 18.1 per cent. Among Victorians 50 and older, 9.6 per cent were regular smokers.
Mr Harper said 70 per cent of Victorians aged 18 to 29 had never smoked, putting the state closer to having ''a smoke-free generation''.
''We now have a generation of younger people progressing from childhood into adulthood who've never known anything different from campaigns on TV and smoke-free areas,'' he said. ''Some have never known what it's like to enter a smoky pub or have smoking in the workplace.''
Quit Victoria executive director Fiona Sharkie said there was no room for complacency, and warned that smoking rates could creep up again if tobacco reform measures slowed. ''Nearly 4000 Victorians die every year from smoking-related illnesses, more than twice the combined annual toll from alcohol, drugs and car accidents,'' she said.
''Tobacco control must remain a public health priority if we are to tackle Australia's smoking toll and prevent young people from taking up this deadly habit.''
Health Minister David Davis said smoking was the leading cause of avoidable illness and death, and it was important to ensure that children did not grow up to become smokers.
''To this end, we need to continue work to de-normalise smoking, this means providing more environments for our children that are free from smoking and making sure they understand the harmful and addictive nature of cigarettes,'' he said.
Mr Davis declined to say whether the government would introduce a statewide ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas.
Such measures are already in force, or due to be introduced, in every other state.
Read more: http://www.watoday.com.au/national/no-smoking-rules-starting-to-bite-figures-show-20120718-22aov.html#ixzz20z9iixPG
