30 April 2013
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)

Tobacco Spin Doctor Appointment a Mockery of Government Smokefree Goal says ASH

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) says news that Philip Morris New Zealand’s corporate affairs manager Chris Bishop has been appointed as a political advisor damages commitment to a smokefree country. 
 
The tobacco industry spin doctor is to be installed in the office of Hon Steven Joyce.

Mr Bishop told TV One’s Q+A that the aim of a smokefree New Zealand by 2025 was "unrealistic" given around 20% of the population smoke at present.

In 2011 the Government committed to making New Zealand an “essentially a smokefree nation by 2025”.
 
“This appointment is an insult to the thousands who die every year from tobacco. International agreements dictate that government needs to be free from the influence of tobacco industry lobbying, not invite the tobacco industry into the heart of Government. This appointment damages the health of the country, and its reputation as a global leader in tobacco control,” said ASH director Ben Youdan.

ENDS