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M. Peters
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ED 03 - Global Lung Cancer Coalition – Data-Driven Lung Cancer Advocacy (ID 3)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Education Session
- Track: Advocacy
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:M. Rigney, J. Schiller
- Coordinates: 9/07/2015, 14:15 - 15:45, 703
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ED03.04 - Advocating for Tobacco Control - the Australia Experience (ID 1781)
15:20 - 15:40 | Author(s): M. Peters
- Abstract
- Presentation
Abstract:
Lung cancer was a rarity a century ago. A dramatic increase in the use of tobacco, in the form of cigarettes, and the science-based reformulation of tobacco that renders the modern cigarette so addictive, the world would not be in the grip of the current lung cancer epidemic. Several other critical factors contributed. These include ready access for sale and purchase, few limitations on time and place of tobacco use and highly skilled promotion and marketing. This combination of corporate success and health tragedy was supported by carefully orchestrated public disinformation and the achievement and maintenance of political influence. It follows from these observations that reversing the course of this epidemic requires that each of these be addressed. Now that legislation for the introduction of mandatory plain packaging of tobacco products has been passed in Ireland and the United Kingdom, Australia is not unique in any single tobacco control action. However, it has been innovative and the extent and breadth of activity is world-leading. A non-exhautive list of innovations includes Pack warnings and regulation Simple text messages(1972) Rotating text messages Graphic health warnings(2004) Mandatory plain packaging(2012) Product and sale restrictions Public information on tar content Restrictions on sales to minors Prohibition of "kiddy-packs" with <20 cigarettes Smoke-free indoors policy - non smoking in Workplaces (Federal Government initially in 1985) Domestic aircraft(1987) Public transport vehicles (bus/train/tram) Large shopping centres Motor vehicles carrying cars Indoor restaurants/bars Hospitals and health centres Smoke-free outdoors policy Al fresco dining Sports stadiums Children’s play areas Beaches and parks Railway stations and bus/tram stops Counter-advertising First TV campaign in late 1970's. Several innovative TV and radio campaigns since including "Every cigarette is doing you damage". Aims were to broaden knowledge of harms and bring risk into the present Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Restriction Voluntary banning of tobacco advertsing by the Medical Journal of Australia Banning TV and radio and later print advertising Elimination of sports and arts sponsorships Price and taxation Introduction of hypothecated tax to replace tobacco sponsorship income Removal of tobacco from consumer price (inflation) index calculation Aggressive tax increases (current Marlbro 20's > $US25) From time to time, opportunistic targetting a single state or local government entity, aimed at a specific innovation, has established a policy precedent. This has been achieved with a relatively small group of tobacco control advocates and effective health NGOs. Effective use of media has been critical in the process. The tobacco industry, in tactics used to oppose effective interventions, is quite predictable. Separate from simplistic themes of civil liberties, crystallised in the absurdist “nanny-state” concept. Common themes used to oppose evidence-based actions, include the threat of large legal penalties, spectre of illicit tobacco sales and the harm potentially caused to Australia more generally as a place to do business. Effective lobbying campaigns can be transplanted. For example, promoting the right of workers to work long hours in safe workplaces can aid arguments in favour of smoke-free dining and other public places. All of the policy victories achieved are within the scope of aims of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This remains the international template and its objects are proven able to be implemented. These policy innovations have been achieved despite tobacco industry interference via the political process and well-documented donations to major political parties. Although major parties have eschewed tobacco company donations by law or choice in recent years, influence is still peddled. To counter interference, the case for tobacco control was made politically impelling. That is, the community was perceived by political decision takers to have a desire to be rid of the harms of smoking that exceeds any concerns about restrictions that need to be imposed to achieve this. A lesson from Australia is that health professionals interested in tobacco control must educate communities at the same time as they seek to alter public policy.
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