An independent senator is not pleased with Government’s plans to regulate the use of tobacco products in this country

Speaking in Parliament yesterday…Helen Drayton described the effort as an intrusion on the lives of citizens

Moments before her comments… Health Minister Jerry Narace …during debate on the Tobacco Control Bill 2008…revealed some of the penalties …which range from 5 years imprisonment to a million dollar fine

But yesterday Ms Drayton said Government had gone too far …

She added its intended penalties were too harsh and sought to criminalize smoking

This was her immediate response to the contribution of Health Minister Jerry Narace…who insisted appropriate legislation was necessary

According to Mr Narace numerous studies have shown the use of tobacco and exposure to its smoke is extremely dangerous to health.

He noted as a result of this and other factors the government had a duty to promote good health.

Yesterday in Parliament Minister Narace explained a unit would be created to ensure regulations were adhered to…

He said steps were being taken to make the establishment of this unit legal