Health Minister Roger Cook today announced the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) has been awarded $962,500 to deliver a range of public health activities to create a smoke-free Western Australia.
Over the next three years, Healthway funding will allow ACOSH to focus its work on minimising the adverse impacts of e-cigarettes, reducing the number of tobacco retailers in WA and to expand smoke-free places.
ACOSH will also promote regulatory and policy solutions, such as strengthening WA and Commonwealth tobacco legislation.
It will also lead efforts to hold the tobacco industry accountable for healthcare costs and for smoking prevention measures.
The McGowan Government, through Healthway, works with funded organisations to deliver public health activities and research, create healthy events, and promote healthy lifestyles.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"There has been significant progress made in reducing the prevalence of smoking.
"ACOSH's work will be critical to ensure there is a continued commitment to tobacco control and in implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce the impact of smoking on the community.
"Its role will be particularly important in addressing the use of e-cigarettes and vaping by children and teenagers and limiting the availability of these addictive products.
"We look forward to working together to create a healthier Western Australia."
