No changes to smoking age

28 July 2016
Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health
After careful consideration, the Government has decided not to proceed with any change to the minimum smoking age.
As I said at the time we released the proposal for consultation, it is a challenging proposal involving a balance of preserving individual adult rights and freedom of choice with the desire to reduce youth smoking.
We have consulted widely on the concept after having included it in the Healthy Tasmania Consultation Draft and have come to the view that it is not an appropriate response at this time.
The Government takes the smoking challenge very seriously and that is why we have deliberately been strong in our community consultation.
Nonetheless, the Government’s response to the smoking challenge is bold, and will be announced shortly with the release of the Healthy Tasmania Strategic Plan.
Contact: Rosita Gallasch
Phone: 0417 296 603