Smoke drift in homes: Have your say

A statewide survey on smoking could help to clear the air for thousands of Queenslanders affected by harmful cigarette smoke drifting into their homes from neighbouring properties.

Cancer Council’s new Everyday Health Survey, launched today, will canvass community views on a range of anti-smoking measures – from banning smoking in multi-unit dwellings to a generational phase-out of cigarettes.

The survey will measure support for proposals such as tobacco retail licensing, increasing the legal age to purchase and sell cigarettes, and potentially banning smoking for anyone born after 2001.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said more needed to be done to protect the Queensland community from the harmful impacts of smoking.

“We were pleased to see widespread community support for the new smoke free laws introduced in Queensland on September 1,” Ms Clift said.

“But there is more to be done – we’re asking Queenslanders to have their say on the next steps for tobacco control in our State.

“We want to hear from all Queenslanders – aged 18 and over – current smokers, ex-smokers and those who have never smoked, about their views on tobacco.

“We are working hard to save even more lives from smoking, and are calling for even stronger action to protect our community.

“From smoking on balconies to increasing the legal age to purchase cigarettes – we want to hear the opinion of our Queensland community.

“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia – we need more tobacco control initiatives to help reduce smoking rates and save lives.”

Cancer Council has welcomed the Queensland Government’s active consideration of a generational phase-out of cigarettes, to further safeguard Queenslanders.

Queenslanders aged 18 and over, including current smokers, ex-smokers, and those who have never smoked, are invited to complete the Everyday Health Survey at cancerqld.org.au/everydayhealthsurvey.

Around 3700 Queenslanders die from a tobacco-related disease each year. About 370 of these deaths are caused by second-hand smoke exposure.

Smokers can obtain free information, practical assistance and support from Quitline, 13 QUIT (13 7848).

More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council’s 13 11 20.

ENDS

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