Cancer Society Applauds Progress
The Cancer Society is delighted with the progress of the Smokefree Environments Amendment Bill as it goes through its
committee stages in Parliament.
No number of side issues such as toy cigarettes, exempting cigars or recommending ventilation systems can over-ride the
key point in the Bill, says Cancer Society tobacco control spokesperson Dale Wilson: “That is, that New Zealanders will
soon be safe from cancer-causing secondhand smoke in pubs, clubs and restaurants”.
“It’s pleasing to see that despite ‘smokescreens’ put up by various members of parliament, for whatever motivation, the
votes being given show the majority of our country’s law makers recognise the right of all people to work in a safe
environment,” Ms Wilson says.
Countries all around the world are coming to similar conclusions, she says.
“It would be tragic if our attention were diverted from passing this legislation which will unquestionably save people’s
lives, and it is disappointing to hear some MPs are deliberately using stalling tactics to delay passage of this
important legislation. The Cancer Society looks forward welcoming this amendment Bill as law.”