Public Health Experts Urge NSW Government to Tackle Industry Interests

Public health experts in New South Wales, Australia, are calling on the next state government to prioritize public health over industry interests by addressing issues related to gambling, e-cigarettes, and junk food advertising in order to protect the health of its citizens.

The Public Health Association of Australia's New South Wales branch has announced a new "public health vote" campaign ahead of the state elections in March. The campaign identifies five priority areas aimed at easing the pressure on the state's healthcare system by prioritizing keeping people healthy and out of hospital beds.

The President and Assoc of the PHAA branch in New South Wales stated that the industries of gambling, e-cigarettes, and unhealthy food and beverages continue to profit from harming the health of adults and children in the state. However, the incoming government can take targeted measures to prevent this harm.

Professor Kate McBride stated, "New South Wales is Australia's gambling capital, and it's ruining the lives of families. The next government should implement a universally applicable commitment with a limit on cashless card systems, an instant self-exclusion mechanism, and enforce a ban on incentives and advertisements.

Professor McBride also urges action on young people and e-cigarettes as well as preventable diseases. "In the past two years, the smoking rate among the 15-24 age group has more than doubled. We now need to take action by criminalizing the supply or sale of non-nicotine e-cigarettes to protect children and young people from the risks of smoking.