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Victorians heed anti-smoking messages

Victoria's smoking rate has fallen to a record low thanks to anti-smoking ads, tobacco marketing bans and education, experts say.

Victorians heed anti-smoking messages
Victoria's smoking rates have hit an all-time low with fewer young people taking up the habit.

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Source: AAP


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Anti-smoking advertising, bans on tobacco marketing and increased education have helped drive Victoria's smoking rates to a record low.

Cancer Council research shows the number of people smoking regularly - either daily or weekly - has dropped to 13.3 per cent for 2012, down 1.1 per cent on 2011.

Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper was pleased with the downward trend, but said continued efforts could result in decreasing the regular smoking rate to nine per cent in the near future.

"What's pleasing in recent years is that rates of decline are continuing - in fact they have stepped up," he said.

"The fact that we are not seeing any slowing shows the impact of the things that we are doing; increasing price, reducing tobacco industry marketing, smoke-free environments and public education are all having their impact."

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Quit Victoria executive director Fiona Sharkie said they were working hard to put themselves out of a job, and praised the federal and state governments on their anti-tobacco measures.

"We are keeping the price of cigarettes high, continuing to run anti-smoking television advertisements and providing more smoke-free areas. That's the key to bringing the smoking rate down," she said.

Victorian Health Minister David Davis recommitted to the government's promise to outlaw smoking at children's playgrounds, skate parks and children's sporting events later this year.


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