Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard welcomes the new smoking laws which will come into effect on 22 September 2010. “While WA has the lowest smoking prevalence rate in Australia, 9,000 children are still taking up smoking each year,” said Dr Woollard. “The new laws will help to protect children and future generations of West Australians as they will grow up without exposure to the harmful consequences of smoking in many aspects of their lives. “With the new laws, children will no longer be exposed to second-hand smoke when they travel in cars or when they are playing at playgrounds and at the beach. “ Families will be able to enjoy an outdoor meal at cafes and restaurants without having to contend with cigarette smoke billowing in their faces. “Children, young people and smokers intending to quit will be sheltered from points-of sale tobacco advertising which have been found to encourage people to start, while undermining efforts to quit. “WA will be the leader in Australia in the fight against tobacco and hopefully these measures will pave the way for further reductions in cases of smoking-related illnesses.” Dr Woollard said studies have shown that 500 children are hospitalised each year with illnesses related to tobacco exposure, while more than 1250 Western Australians are killed annually due to smoking-related illnesses. These illnesses cost the State more than $2.4 billion in direct and indirect costs. The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2009 (The Act) was introduced by Dr Woollard as a Private Member’s Bill in November 2008, which received support from all sides of politics. Dr Woollard said The Act would not have been possible without the contributions of many who had the well-being of Western Australians at heart. In recognition of their contributions, Dr Woollard will be organising a special gathering at 4 pm on 22 September at the Legislative Assembly Committee Room in Parliament House. The gathering will be attended by representatives from the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, the Cancer Council, the Heart Foundation and the AMA WA. Members of Parliament from the Liberal Party, the ALP and the Greens will also be in attendance. ”While we commemorate this significant milestone in the fight against the harmful effects of smoking, I am cognisant of the fact that the fight is far from over,” said Dr Woollard. “I will continue to work with the community and public health advocacy groups to make WA smoke-free.”