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The health select committee wants to see the messages on tobacco products include a warning about the harmful effects of smoking on culture.
It’s one of a number of amendments proposed for the Smokefree Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill.
Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia has welcomed the committee’s report as it means the bill can be considered early in the next parliament.
She says the bill is crucial in reducing the appeal of tobacco products and smoking particularly amongst young people.
The committee visited Australia to look a the effect of the plain packaging regime across the Tasman, and noted data showing daily smoking rates amongst those aged 14 and older have dropped to 12.8 percent, the lowest rate recorded to date.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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