Heart Foundation welcomes Victorian Government announcement on tobacco licensing scheme

Media release: 28 March 2024

The Heart Foundation welcomes the Victorian Government's announcement on tobacco licensing as a significant stride towards protecting public health and reducing the impact of heart health harm from tobacco use.

This is action that public health experts and chronic disease organisations have been advocating for.

Similar legislation is already in place in other states and territories and has shown to have a positive impact on reducing tobacco smoking and the availability of tobacco to children.

Smoking presents major heart health risks to people living in Australia: smoking makes people four times more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke, and three times more likely to die from sudden cardiac death.

Quitting smoking reduces a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Today’s announcement aligns with our advocacy to reduce smoking rates in the community to drive down the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, our nation’s leading cause of death.

The Heart Foundation commends the government for its positive action today and for its commitment to the health and wellbeing of all people living in Victoria.

We look forward to supporting and participating in efforts that stem from this announcement, ensuring a healthier future for Victorians.