11. STEVE CHADWICK (Labour—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Associate Minister of Health
What reports has he received about the public’s response to the introduction of the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Associate Minister of Health) Link to this
I am delighted that the Ministry of Health has recently released a report entitled The Smoke is Clearing: Anniversary Report 2005, which supports the significant health benefits for bar and restaurant workers and customers arising from, and confirms strong public support for, the legislation. The report also found no overall downturn in bar and retail sales, tourism, or employment.
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
Yes, a survey from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation shows 67 percent public support for the Act. I have also seen a report stating that the law goes too far and is an example of a nanny State, and yet another stating that the law should not be scrapped. The first report came from the PC eradicator, Dr Wayne Mapp, and the second from Dr Don Brash.