New anti-smoking advertisements will coincide with tax increase on cigarettes

7/11/99

Smokers should kick the habit and reap the financial rewards, according to Health Minister John Day.
Mr Day said with the increase to the Federal tax on cigarettes there was no better time for smokers to quit.
He said the State Government would run new anti-smoking advertisements from today to coincide with the tax increase on cigarettes.
The new ads feature two piggy banks, one smoker and one non-smoker, to show how quitting leads to big savings.
"Cost is a big factor in the decision by many smokers to quit and is second only to health as a motivator to quit smoking," Mr Day said.
"About nine out of 10 Western Australian smokers believe they could make better use of the money they spent on smoking.
"The Federal tax increase on cigarettes will certainly encourage more people to quit, and our advertisements are designed to support this."
Mr Day said the focus on the benefits of quitting cigarettes in the new advertisements had previously proved a popular theme in the 'I can' advertisements for the Feel Good - Quit campaign earlier this year.
"Feedback from the 'I can' advertisements was very positive due to the focus on benefits to quitting, rather than risks of continuing to smoke," Mr Day said.
"The new advertisements continue this theme, with a focus on financial benefits."
People who would like help to quit smoking can call the Quit line on 13 18 48.
Media contact: Mark Thompson 9213 6600