Embargoed until 0400 hours Tuesday 6 October 2009
5
October 2009
STRONG STANCE TAKEN ON HIGH RATE OF SMOKING
AMONG INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
The Heart Foundation today released a major new position statement targeting the
high rate of smoking and tobacco-caused diseases and conditions among Indigenous
Australians.
In Australia, it is estimated that 50 per cent of Indigenous people smoke. This is
compared with a national smoking rate of 19 percent.
The high prevalence of smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
corresponds with a higher risk of tobacco-caused diseases and conditions, such as
ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung
cancer.
Heart Foundation Tobacco Spokesperson, Maurice Swanson, said much of the
difference in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians was
due to high rates of cardiovascular disease and other diseases caused by tobacco.
“The Heart Foundation is committed to helping to close the gap between Indigenous
and non-Indigenous cardiovascular health outcomes,” Mr Swanson said.
“Reducing the prevalence and uptake of smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples is critical to achieving this goal.
“In recognition of the high prevalence of smoking among Indigenous Australians, and
in response to Commonwealth and Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG)
announcements on funding allocations for Indigenous Tobacco Control, the Heart
Foundation is advancing a range of Indigenous-specific priorities to help to define a
national tobacco control strategy for Indigenous Australians,” he said.
The Indigenous Tobacco Control Position Statement outlines the Heart Foundation’s
policy and funding priorities for Indigenous Tobacco control.
Some of these priorities include:
Fund and implement, on a sustained basis, a culturally-appropriate social
marketing campaign with and for Indigenous peoples
Support Indigenous organisations to move towards smoke-free work places and
events
Provide training and funding for specialist tobacco workers, with additional
funding for specialist workers to support pregnant women in their quitting
attempts
Ensure funding is available to evaluate the impact of all Indigenous tobacco
control interventions, including health care, community and legislation
interventions
Mr Swanson said the Heart Foundation’s position was directed by a number of
research reports, including the Preventative Health Strategy (PHS) which was
launched by Health and Ageing Minister Nicola Roxon in September 2009.
“The PHS, and other reports, make recommendations about appropriate policy
direction for effective Indigenous tobacco control interventions,” he said.
The Indigenous Tobacco Control Position Statement was launched at a joint meeting
of the Heart Foundation's Tobacco Control Advisory Committee and the Cancer
Council Australia's Tobacco Issues Sub-committee on the eve of the Oceania
Tobacco Control Conference, in Darwin; Tuesday 6 October 2009.
The Oceania Tobacco Conference, which runs Wednesday 7 – Friday 9 October, is
the largest tobacco control event in the Australia and Pacific region, attracting a wide
range of local and international experts. It is held once every two years and 2009 is
the first time it has been held in Darwin.
About the Heart Foundation:
This year the Heart Foundation marks its 50th anniversary as Australia's leading voice on
heart health. The Heart Foundation saves lives and improves health through funding world
class cardiovascular research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and
assisting people with cardiovascular disease.
As a charity, the Heart Foundation relies on donations and gifts in Wills to continue its
lifesaving research, education and health promotion work. For further information visit
Media Contact:
Siobhan O’Neill, Public Relations Manager, Heart Foundation
T: (03) 9321 1536 / M: 0418 171 527 / E: siobhan.oneill@heartfoundation.org.au
NEWS 
