Western Australia Tobacco Project and Action Plan - Case Study Example

Western Australia Tobacco Project and Action Plan Name: Institution: Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..…….. 4 Overview of the Western Australian Federal Government……………………..…………….. 5 The Role of Local Government…………………………………………………….…………. 5 Background Information…………………………………………………………………..….. 6 The Project Purpose…………………………………………………………………………… 6 Target Group……………………………………………………………………………….….. 6 Under Age Smoking……………………………………………………………………...…… 6 Indigenous Australians…………………………………………………………………….…. 7 Policy Framework and International Influence………………………………………………. 7 The Australian National Policy on Environment…………………………………………….. 8 Western Australia Local Government Anti-Smoking Strategy: A plan Action …………….. 11 Project Implementation Plan………………………………………………………………… 12 Restricted Access…………………………………………………………………………… 12 Drug use Jurisdiction…………………………………………………………….…………. 14 Changing the way Tobacco Industry does Business……………………………………….. 14 Ending Tobacco Marketing Programs Targeting Children……………………………..….. 15 Project Evaluation …………………………………………………………………….…… 15 Corporate Compliance…………………………………………………………………… 15 Progress Directed towards Public Health Issues…………………………………………. 16 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………16 References: ………………………………………………………………………………..17 Introduction The use of cigarette has a significant impact on society across Australia. The wellbeing of the communities they represent is undoubtedly affected by the harms drugs used can produce (Devlin, 2007, pp. 53). The Australian government is well placed to coordinate society efforts to reduce the harms directed to the community from cigarette use, more especially from the youth within the community (AIHW, 2006). The national drugs strategic framework (NDSF) highlighted the importance of the local government and the local government sub-committee of the intergovernmental committee on drugs was put in place. In the 2003, the Australian government funded research in the local government handling issues of cigarette related harm minimization programs. Theses project had two components which where basically: To undertake a review of the national literature relating to community-based tobacco initiatives and consult with the local government in facilitating resources necessary to reverses the deteriorating conditions among youth smoking habits. The report focuses on local community, public health interventions designed to minimize cigarette related harm. In our project we recognize the role of the local government in tackling cigarette misuse (Pingree, 2004, pp. 83). Anti-smoking messages have often been fear based directed at people aged 30 and below. Health promotional activities directed at convincing youthful Australians to either avoid or stop smoking have been staged at two levels. First these messages are communicated during primary and secondary school health curricula including direct anti-smoking information in programs such as Teenagers-Teaching-Teachers. The second initiative has been achieved where young people have been exposed to government sponsored mass media public information campaigns (Mahoney, 2007, pp. 47) sending informatory messages on dangers of smoking. Despite increased concentration of anti-cigarette messages through both primary and secondary schools among other government initiatives, the young Australian population continues to smoke (Pingree, 2004, pp. 75). In 2006, the Australian bureau of statistics reported the rate of smoking in the country to have declined slightly from 1995, when it was estimated to be 28% an average percentage for both men and women. By 2004/2005, smoking rates are reported highest among younger age groups and declined with increased age groups. According to the ABS statistics of 2006 the highest rate of smoking was among those aged 18-24 with a 34% and women those aged 25-34 scored a 27% (AIHW, 2006). Overview of the Western Australian Federal Government The Role of Local Government Local government has a vital role to play as a leader and a partner in designing and implementing strategies of reducing tobacco-related harms in the Australian community communities. The community is increasingly regarded as the site of mediation between every life of individuals and the larger social, economical and political environment (Miller, 2007, pp. 89). Local government has the authority in public health development plans and enforcement. It has the necessary links with other levels of government, business, industry sectors and the community. The local government has been long involved in community development and action projects. Through an intimate knowledge of the needs of people at a particular time, the local government plays a critical role to play in place management and coordination programs. In addition, to tailoring specific interventions preventing and treating smoking related harm among the youth population, these project help reduce harm as a consequence of addressing upstream issues of economic and social disadvantage (Adelman, 2001, pp. 77). The local government is not used as one of the policing cigarette sector or even provides direct service in this regard but rather is the ideal position to facilitate a harmonized response from a broad spectrum of service providers through its leadership capacity within the policy structure developed at state and federal government levels (Zerfass, 2007, pp. 71). Background Information The Project Purpose This project is focused on research and reporting mechanism on better practice in youth smoking related harm minimization, an initiative undertaken by local governments across Australia. The project provides basis and principles and practice procedures that apply at local community level and across the range of local government settings in support of community initiatives of minimizing drugs related harm within Australian society (Pinkleton, 2007, pp. 39). Target Group Under Age Smoking Under age smoking among Western Australia, people who start smoking while young are more likely to smoke heavily or even become more dependant on nicotine and are at an increased risk of being messed up by smoking related illness or death. According to the 2004 report of the national drug strategy survey most men had their very first cigarette at 14-15 years on average wile females at 16-17 years. The results further reveals about 12.8% of the males in Australia aged 14 to 19 years are current smokers while female rate stood at 14.2%. Indigenous Australians The national health strategy reveals that smoking trends tend to be reported highly among the venerable groups who are the aboriginals as compared to non-aboriginals (AIHW, 2006). Smoking according to this report was implicated and associated with poorer health outcomes among aboriginals Australians in the results of 2004 and 2005. Tobacco smoking is ranked the largest preventable cause of death and cancer reared disease in the country. Smoking is identified to be the key risk factor for most three deceases causing death in Australia. These include ischemia heart problem, cerebrovascular disease and lung cancer. Smoking is reported to be responsible of about 80% of the prevailing all lung cancer deaths and about 20% of all cancer cases within the communities. Policy Framework and International Influence Australian community responses to youth drugs-related issues are subjective to international, national, state and to their local domestic policies and practices. Following the international conference on health promotion in Ottawa in 1986 triggered a charter for action which was aimed at achieving health for all by the 2000 and beyond. The charter is established in response to emerging public health and support health promotion strategies and programs within Australia, while considering differing social, cultural and economic systems (AIHW, 2006). The local government identified action including building healthy policy, creating supportive environments while strengthening community action. The Australian health organization outlined ten most important social determinants of heath needs to be considered when developing initiatives in improving western Australia’s public health. This include measures considering ways of preventing people especially teens falling in to long-term disadvantage, the impact of social and psychological environment on health and problems of unemployment, social exclusion and the effects of smoking among other drugs. This report seeks to highlight the complex social, economic, physical and political influences it has to the public health. Acknowledging the dynamic and complexity nature of the western region of Australian community is the first critical step in development of an effective community based responses. The Australian public health institution has developed a long standing commitment in solving public smoking-related problems among other drugs, the organ advocates for a comprehensive range of strategies in reducing specifically teens smoking-related harm (Pinkleton, 2007, pp. 48). The public health organization focuses on approaches that are consistent to the local cultures and each social group has to develop its own unique mix of strategies. The Australian National Policy on Environment The national drug strategic framework was prepared under the direction of the ministerial Council on Drugs strategy and was endorsed by all Australian governments. The policy outlines principles, priorities and objectives and objectives in reducing drug related harm across all Australian community. The principle established under this framework emphasizes cooperative, coordinated action and strategies that involve target communities and groups within the Australian society. These principles include: a) Harm minimization- this strategies integrate community and individual responses in reducing drug-related harm through three approaches namely: i) supply reduction strategy this is designed to disrupt the production and supply of drugs such as cigarettes ii) Demand reduction strategies designed to prevent the uptake of harmful smoking among the teen, which include abstinence orientated strategies in reducing drug use iii) A range of targeted harm-reduction strategies that are designed to reduce drug-related harm for individuals and communities b) Balance approach – there should a continued balance between these three harm minimization strategies. c) Coordinated, integrated approach – reducing drug related harm is everyone’s responsibility, involving all levels of government, business and industry. These involve local communities and individuals working together in ensuring teens safety and free from drug use. d) Partnership approach- strong partnerships and close working relation-ships between government, business, and education, health and community sectors are critical in boosting teen’s involvement in smoking. e) Social justice- responses has to consider and reflect the unique nature of local communities’ cultural differences and the needs of marginalized population groups. f) Evidence base- the practice has to be based on identifiable research and take into account the preferences of the clients, families and the community. In achieving this innovation and new approaches has to be considered and encouraged. Western Australia Local Government Anti-Smoking Strategy: A plan Action The smoking strategy was prepared by the national expert advisory committee on drugs for intergovernmental committee on drugs and aims to: Reduce incidence of acute and chronic mortality related to misuse of cigarette among other drugs. Reduce the incidents of social disorder, family disruption, violence including domestic among other crime related to drug use. Reduce the level of economic loss in Australian society in relation to drug-related public health costs Create tough penalties if reduction objectives are not met Full express power for FDA to control tobacco products in western Australia and the entire country Establish legislations necessary in changing the way tobacco industry does its business In Western Australia, expert committees have been established to advise the government on range of drug issues among the western population more especially among the school teenagers. In the 2000 the Australasian government established drug policy expert committee in providing advice on the manner implementation of drug policy. The committee confirmed that a 10% increased in cigarette price accounted for 7% reduction in teens smoking. This one way identified by the committee established that the combination of the industry payment and penalties to be increase cigarette prices by up to a dollar and some cents per pack in over ten years. This is a clear policy from the government enacted to reach the objectives of this plan in reducing youth related smoking in the Western Australia and the entire country. Tough measures in terms of penalties and price increases which are aimed at reduced rates of teen’s smokers have always been the bottom-line of the Australian public heath concerns. The public health feels that in order to achieve these desired teens smoking habits and smoking–related harm the tobacco industry in Australia has to consider this as their bottom line objectives too. In addition, the public heath organ feels tobacco legislation as well giving the tobacco industry strongest possible incentives aimed at stopping targeting teens. The legislation in question has to set ambitious goals in order to cut on teens smoking by an estimated 30% within the next five years, with a 50% smoking reduction among 7 year olds and a 60% among the 10 year kids. In achieving this Australian government has to establish and put in place severe financial penalties which hold the tobacco companies accountable in meeting these targets. The Australian government and local governments supports the penalties which are assumed to be non-deductable, uncapped and assume an escalating rate so as to meet the impose even stiffer penalties. According to the Australian Bureau of statistics reports, increased price on cigarettes indicates more companies miss on targeting teen within the society hence reduced smoking among the target group. This objective was achieved through increased base payment from tobacco industry an idea that was established in the settlement. Understanding this concept we realize that both increment based on either payment or strengthening the monetary penalties on this industry considering the if teens smoking targets are not met it will generate a raising effect by increased prices of tobacco products, a move that could discourage youths from smoking. However, this move will see the public health revenue for health initiatives. Project Implementation Plan Tobacco Counter-advertising Education Campaigns The western Australian local government assumes fully success in reducing teen’s anti-smoking campaign which has to run although in a period of five years, as the local authorities plan for continuous program. The authority seeks intervention of federal government in providing legislation for a nationwide effort to deglamorize tobacco. During these campaigns, the initiative has to be warning the young population on its addictive nature and deadly consequences, and further help parents discourage their children from taking up the habit. The Australian legislation has to provide for public education and counter-advertising campaigns as well design state and local prevention efforts. The administration also supports stronger and more visible warning labels on tobacco products. Currently teenagers have been exposed to billions of dollar worth of image advertising done by tobacco industry (Adelman, 2001, pp. 54). However, this does not count on other forms of exposure as tobacco even more delicate yet more powerful modes, for instance smoking in the movies. This kind of influence creates a friendly familiarity for tobacco products among the youth within the society. According to psychologist experts, this is a hard influence to change in minds of young people and it explains why counter-advertising campaign is needed and this has to involve every bit that is as pervasive and powerful. It is important the government support in form of funds spared for these counter advertising campaigns particularly for media campaigns is well invested. Involving the works of marketing experts from the private world can identify the best model and ways of targeting as well as timing this kind of messages while achieving the best ways to tie in with the local programming. More importantly we already have data indicating that intensive and comprehensive media campaign can work (Sussman, 2001, pp. 133). All this when combined with school and community activities it is evident that youth smoking can be reduced. Considering the health care campaigns on drug related harm over 1999 all through 2003, this doctrine campaign taught us that tobacco or unhealthy counter advertising campaigns can help reduce the habit, this can be achieved considering that the firm deliver a repetitive and creative messages to a wider audiences over a given timeframe. Recently, tobacco campaigns have adopted a marketing shift away from the traditional mass media advertising and rather adopted target promotional activities. In modifying our counter-advertising campaigns we need to include stronger local level grass-root counter advertising campaign components. Basing on national levels our campaigns are critical in getting the messages to the young people by use of screens, however it is identified among their behavior that is most influenced in their homes, neighborhoods and the community they live in. this is important and explains why allocating funds for every state, district within the Australia has to be developed upon this basis. Establishing a school-based curriculum can effectively reduce or delay tobacco use among youth. This can be achieved through programs indented to teach youth on the right skills they need to put in practice to resist social pressures (Tevyaw, 2006, pp. 74). The effectiveness of this school programs can be affected when coordinated with community programs. The legislation context has to direct the education system in the country to effectively adopt educational programs a situation that is unfortunately not well taken care of in most school systems within the country. In addition the local education and the health agencies require additional funding through legislative provisions in order to work as our partners in moving research to the classroom. Restricted Access The public health rules have to clearly include significant requirements in reducing teen’s access to tobacco products (Zerfass, 2007, pp. 63). For instance, the roles may demand that retailers check photo identification of anyone under the age of 20, while limiting advertising of tobacco products to young audiences. This can be achieved through limiting these kinds of advertising near school buildings. The local authority legislation codify these measures through imposing strong and restriction for teens access, while advertisement used include conventional provisions that establish effective retail licensing plan containing tough penalties. Drug use Jurisdiction According to Sandhu, (2009, pp. 81), a comprehensive tobacco legislation provision which is applicable and regulates tobacco products, more emphasis has to be developed around the legal framework since the legislation provides necessary settlements that works towards weakening the regulatory flexibility necessary to deal effectively with future public challenges presented by increased tobacco use among young Australian population (Gilbert, 2005, pp.27). The public health service and the local government have to step up actions against tobacco products. Their move has to expressly propose and support the federal legislation moves in affirming the desired authority in regulating production, promotional and sale of tobacco products. Under this understanding the Australian federal system has to be effective on executing its authority over tobacco issues as it acts over other drugs in the country. However, the organ has to remain flexible in meeting other upcoming changing challenges. Changing the way Tobacco Industry does Business The plan on effectively confronts the tobacco industry practice of marketing their products to teenagers, and rather encourages corporate culture that insists on blocking access to information and denying industrial ability in sustaining unyielding attacks on opponents in courtrooms and in media (Cornelissen, 2005, pp. 72). The process of regulation and litigation of this culture adopts problem solving context where the culture adopted measures that are accountable in dealing with responsibility of the problem of youth smoking, the last measure is that the firm adopt principle requirements in exposing the industry misconduct more especially its marketing efforts in marketing products in changing the way this industry does business. Ending Tobacco Marketing Programs Targeting Children The plan calls for sincere and comprehensive commitments by the industry (Booth-Butterfield, 2000, pp. 114). This provides agreements limiting advertisements targeting children, this one strategy established to recognize the need for increased corporate responsibility. The main focus here should be directed towards emphases calling upon tobacco industry ending their marketing activities that serve to promote tobacco to children. Project Evaluation Corporate Compliance Tobacco companies should develop comprehensive corporate compliance programs that will effectively reinforce an ideal economic incentive in provided by the youth smoking penalties in discouraging companies from marketing to children. The Australian legislation for instance has to establish oversight mechanisms seeking to investigate and monitoring corporate compliance while establishing necessary recommendations in developing future legislations over smoking harm related issues (Collins, 2002, pp. 58). Progress Directed towards Public Health Issues The established federal tobacco legal framework in reducing youth smoking but also meet other public health goals , directed towards reduction of cassation programs, strengthen national efforts in order to fully control tobacco , and avail the required funds in support for health related research among other health objectives (AIHW, 2006, pp. 14). It is important to note that only comprehensive approach can essentially permit us to achieve our indented objective in reducing teens smoking. We have already identified the need in financing a nationwide media campaign to strip tobacco use of its regular glamour and appealing advertisements. This call for a continuous community interventions reaching to young people in places they live and during school sessions. Conclusion Developing a school based program can be beneficial in equipping this young population with knowledge required and resistance skills. In achieving a reduced rate of tens exposed to tobacco, the Australian community needs to adopt surveillance and evaluation in helping the public health service gauge the indented success and ritual the required approaches (Ridolfo, 2001, pp.77). Identifying a prevention research better helps understand reasons to why teens smoke while establishing the desired models. Understanding the dangers smoking posses to the economic growth and sustainability measures, it is necessary that the Australian government allocate state funds in support of each one of these activities in reducing the harm tobacco causes to the teens and the general public countrywide. References: Adelman, W. D. (2001). 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