Statistics show too many Tasmanians are fat and unhealthy compared to interstate populations and politicians on the island want to make a change and will start by targeting smokers.
The state’s Liberal administration has launched a healthy-living strategy that includes plans to raise the legal minimum age as high as 25, for the purchase of tobacco products.
‘Current laws make it illegal to smoke under the age of 18, but there would be significant health benefits associated with raising the legal age to 21 or 25,’ Health Minister Michael Ferguson said.
‘Studies show that most smokers take up the habit before the age of 25.’
The government is calling for public feedback on its plan.
It’s not the first time Tassie has come up with an idea to slash rates of smoking.
Independent MP Ivan Dean has introduced a bill to the state’s upper house proposing a law that restricts the sale of tobacco to people born in or after the year 2000.
The law is designed to come into effect from 2018, creating a smoke-free generation.
The bill is still being considered by parliament, but has received support from international health experts.
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