Quitline 'not a political football', says Calma

Former social justice commissioner, Tom Calma, has hit back at the Federal Opposition after it criticised the new Aboriginal Quitline.

A new report reveals that Indigenous smoking rates are declining.

Former social justice commissioner, Tom Calma, has hit back at the Federal Opposition after it criticised the new Aboriginal Quitline.

Northern Territory Coalition Senator Nigel Scullion had described the program as a "waste of tax payers' money", prompting Mr Calma to defend the initiative.

“What we, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want, is for the government and the Opposition is not use us as a political football," he said.

“We encourage the opposition and government to get more informed about what a development model is all about so that they understand that any sort of behavioural change, any sort of major population health approach does take time."

The Aboriginal Quitline aims at reducing cultural differences by offering Indigenous people, looking to give up smoking, a chance to speak with an Indigenous counsellor.

“We want our people to know that when they talk to a Quitline they can ask to talk to an Aboriginal counsellor or they know other counsellors they can talk to, and have also been trained in cultural competence or cultural awareness,” said Mr Calma.

Present at the launch was ex-smoker, Ray Robinson. He said, “It'll do a hell of a lot of good for our people to communicate with one another”. Mr Robinson, who suffered serious health problems until he stopped smoking four years ago advocated for the new Quitline.

If you would like to contact Aboriginal Quitline, ring 13 78 48.