PM can't deter Bundy smokers

Smokers Jade Craig, Josh Moras and Casey Allwood say changing the packaging of cigarettes will not stop them taking a puff.

Max Fleet

Poll

Will the increased taxes and forced packaging changes help more people quit smoking?

This poll ended on 06 May 2010.

Yes

34%

No

65%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

THE Cancer Council has hailed the government’s decision to enforce plain packaging for cigarettes as a life-saving move, but Bundaberg smokers are calling it the most pointless deterrent yet.

From July 1, 2012, new legislation will prohibit logos, brand imagery, colours and promotional text on packets in an attempt to cut back on the number of smokers, especially young people.

Brand and product names will be printed in standard colour, position, font style and size on packets to deter smokers but Bundaberg residents say it is what is on the inside that counts.

“I don’t think it will make anyone quit,” smoker Casey Allwood said.

“It might be a good thing for smokers because no one will know what we’re smoking.”

Ms Allwood has been smoking for about five years and said the only thing that would make her quit was cancer.

“If I got sick, I would probably stop,” she said.

“Increasing the prices won’t help either. I won’t stop until it’s off the shelf.”

Ms Allwood started smoking Winfield Blues but later changed to Longbeach.

“I only changed for the taste. I don’t care about the packets,” she said.

Another smoker, Josh Moras, said he began smoking in school.

“I started because I thought it was cool. The packaging didn’t matter,” he said.

Mr Moras said he would not stop until retailers stopped selling.

“Changing the package won’t stop me,” he said.

“It’s what’s on the inside that we want.”

The smoker of six years said he could see no reason to quit.

“Who’s to say I won’t die the next time I jump in the car?” he said.

Cancer Council Australia CEO Ian Olver said the introduction of plain packaging would help to decrease the number of deaths caused by tobacco-related disease.

“Tobacco companies cleverly tailor product packaging to attract people to the pack and send a message to smokers about the personality of the consumer,” Prof. Olver said.

“In reality, every pack is the same in that it contains a deadly cocktail of chemicals that profoundly increase the user’s risk of developing up to 14 fatal cancer types.”