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Cigarettes may be banned from display - 7/23 |
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By Stephanie Dalzell |
The NSW government says a plan to ban cigarette packets from view in shops is likely to go ahead, amid claims it is divided on the issue.
Minister Assisting the Minister for Health Verity Firth said Labor was committed to reducing the smoking rate.
She said incorrect conclusions had been drawn about a meeting involving Small Business Minister Joe Tripodi and representatives from tobacco giant Philip Morris.
"We have developed a tough package of measures that aims to reduce our kids' exposure to tobacco marketing and the harmful effects of environmental smoke," Ms Firth said.
"Tobacco companies and other interested parties, including retailer groups, have also sought meetings with ministers to express their views directly.
"This is part of the normal democratic process - for ministers to meet with interested parties before making major decisions."
Ms Firth said it was logical Mr Tripodi would meet with business groups to hear their views.
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon had raised concerns that Ms Firth's plans were facing resistance in caucus following revelations of Mr Tripodi's meetings.
Ms Rhiannon said she was worried Labor was abiding by the wishes of tobacco companies because of their substantial donations to the Labor Party.
"Banning displays of cigarettes in shops will be difficult until the major parties knock back political donations which give tobacco companies and the retail industry the ear of NSW MPs," Ms Rhiannon said.
---http://news.ninemsn.com.au |
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