Tobacco price rise a spur to quit

Tobacco price rise a spur to quit

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) congratulates Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia for backing the rise in tobacco taxes yesterday.

“If the revenue raised from higher tobacco taxes is used specifically for programmes to support smokers to quit then it will be a win-win situation.” said NZNO kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku.

“Our recent submission to the Maori Affairs Select Committee pointed out that legislation is one of the best tools to ensure that the numbers of smokers decline and continue to decline. It is heartening that this step has been taken so quickly.”

NZNO acknowledges that smoking is an addiction and low income smokers are likely to hit hardest by the price-increases.

“We urge government to make sure that extra resources are available for people needing help to quit as the effects of the price rises hit home.”

“We find it interesting that the government has chosen legislation to reduce smoking by increasing excise tax on tobacco while at the same time flatly refusing to do the same for alcohol. Both are drugs and both have devastating effects in our families and communities. Listening to big business instead of listening to the evidence is not the way to make decisions as important as these.” Kerri Nuku said.

NZNO members will continue to advise and support people to quit smoking as a normal part of their practice.

ENDS

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