The Victorian branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has proposed a ‘tobacco transaction levy’ that would increase the cost of a cigarette by 10 cents from next July, rising to 30 cents in July 2012.

The AMA is appealing to the Victorian Government to introduce the tax, saying the Federal Government remains silent on the issue months after receiving the Preventative Health Taskforce Report.

The president of AMA Victoria, Dr Harry Hemley, says a survey also found three quarters of smokers would quit if the price of a packet of cigarettes rose in price by half.

Victorian doctors say the federal Government is not acting quickly enough to address smoking rates.

“That’s why we’re encouraging the state Government to introduce the tobacco transaction levy, which would give the Victorian State Government an extra $3 billion a year just in Victoria alone, which would allow us to fund a lot of the shortfall in our public hospital expenditure,” he said.

Dr Hemley says the State Government should introduce the ban in the face of Federal Government inaction.

“The failure of the Federal Government to respond to the primary health care strategy has prompted us to encourage the state Government to introduce this transaction levy,” he said.

Treasurer John Lenders say the AMA’s suggestion will be examined.

“We’ve seen the number of Victorians smoke drop from in the mid 40 per cent to about 16 per cent over the last 20 years and that is saving thousands of lives,” he said.

“The specifics of their bid, some of that comes into excise which is a Federal Government area, not ours, but we will work with them as to how we can further reduce loss of life from cancer in Victoria.”

Meanwhile the Federal Government says it is still examining the Health Taskforce report.

source: www.abc.net.au

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