The Territory Government has released its plan to improve the health of all Territorians by reducing the harm caused by tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke, and to prevent uptake by young people.
The release of the Northern Territory Tobacco Action Plan 2019-2023 coincides with World No-Tobacco Day.
Key target groups are pregnant women and their families, children and young people, people with mental illness and people released from NT Prisons.
The Northern Territory Tobacco Action Plan 2019-2023 was developed by the NT Tobacco Control Action Committee (NTTCAC) comprising the Heart Foundation, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT, Good Health Alliance, Local Government Association, Remote AOD Workforce and the Departments of Health, Education, and Attorney Generals & Justice Corrections with Menzies School of Health Tobacco Control Research Program.
The NTTCAC will oversee the implementation of the Plan.
Key focus areas are:
media campaigns to de-normalise smoking and promote positive role models,
increasing smoke free spaces in homes, workplaces and public settings,
and helping to sustain quit attempts and prevent relapse.
The Tobacco Action Plan can be found at: https://digitallibrary.health.nt.gov.au/prodjspui/bitstream/10137/7581/1/Tobacco%20action%20plan.pdf
Quotes from Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
“While NT tobacco consumption rates are reducing, historically the Northern Territory has and continues to have the highest rate of smoking per capita in Australia.
“This Tobacco Action Plan supports ongoing efforts to reduce this prevalence.”
Quotes from Chair Northern Territory Tobacco Control Action Committee (NTTCAC), Professor David Thomas:
“A feature of this Action Plan is its focus on some of the most disadvantaged groups in our society. Many of these groups have much higher rates of smoking than the general population. Special emphasis is placed on reducing harm for Aboriginal Territorians, who suffer the greatest burden from tobacco use.”
“These actions will benefit Territorians by reducing the incidence of smoking related harms, increasing public amenity by expanding smoke-free areas, and reducing adverse impacts and costs related to illnesses caused by smoking.”