Media Release: 29 April 2010

ANF welcomes government anti-smoking action

The Australian Nursing Federation today welcomed the Australian Government’s comprehensive anti-smoking initiatives as an improvement in measures to address public health concerns.

ANF Federal Secretary Ged Kearney said nurses are on the frontline in treating and caring for people with smoking related health issues from cardiac disease through to lung cancer.

“Nurses broadly support public health initiatives that aim to reduce the burden of disease in areas which are largely preventable,” Ms Kearney said. “Increasing the excise and developing hard hitting anti-smoking campaigns should act as deterrents and will encourage people to consider the economic and health impacts of smoking cigarettes.”

Ms Kearney said the ANF looked forward to the announcement of more public health campaigns targeting preventable diseases and health promotion campaigns.

“Ultimately we need to get positive health messages out to people and encourage them to stay well. This is one of the best ways to relieve the pressure on our overburdened health system.”

Media Contact
Eleni Hale, Media Advisor, 0458 892 999

 

The ANF, with 175,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.