31 May 2010
A four-year action plan to steer tobacco control initiatives in the Northern Territory will be launched today (Monday 31 May 2010) to coincide with World No Tobacco Day.The Northern Territory Tobacco Action Plan 2010-2013 is a framework for reducing tobacco-related harm. It includes a range of interventions that address three key action areas - policy and legislation, health care and community interventions.
The Plan has been developed by the Northern Territory Department of Health and Families (DHF) in association with key partner organisations, the Heart Foundation NT, Cancer Council NT and Menzies School of Health Research and the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT).
The Plan was formalised following a tobacco control summit held in Darwin last year attracting community representatives from across the NT.
Dorothy Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Heart Foundation Northern Territory, says the NT Tobacco Action Plan will ultimately benefit all Territorians.
"We encourage all sectors to implement the plan," she said.
"Cigarette smoking is the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in Australia and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Given that the NT has the highest CVD death rate in Australia, it was important for the Heart Foundation to lead the way on this project."
DHF Acting Chief Executive Alan Wilson said the plan was crucial in addressing the devastating health consequences of tobacco use by individuals, families and communities throughout the NT.
"The Action Plan identifies strategies to help all Territorians, with an emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The goal is to reduce the harm caused by direct or indirect smoking, throughout the lifespan," Mr Wilson said.
"The plan is a framework for our community to take action against this preventable cause of death and disease."
Dr David Thomas of the Menzies School of Health Research agreed that the Tobacco Action Plan was necessary for the Northern Territory.
"The development of the Tobacco Action Plan is an important collaborative step in reducing smoking in the NT and the impacts on so many people and families," he said.
"The challenge now is to implement the Action Plan and monitor the progress."
Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Council NT, Helen Smith, said the Action Plan was commissioned to prioritise activities that should be taken by Government and non-Government, health and non-health organisations.
"We welcome the Action Plan as it provides Territorians with clear directions and keeps all service providers on the same page in relation to Tobacco Control in the NT," she said.
The plan is designed to guide the efforts of anyone working in tobacco control in the Northern Territory and promote an effective and equitable approach to the associated interventions.
"Through the Action Plan, the Northern Territory Government is providing the commitment, leadership and support that is necessary to address tobacco issues within the community," Alan Wilson said.
"Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in Australia, and we must continue to make every effort to reduce consumption and support smokers in their efforts to quit."
For further information on Smoke Free NT, please visit: www.smokefree.nt.gov.au
or call the Smoke Free Hotline: 1800 888 564.
Media Contact: Jasmine Featherstone 0401 116 144
