Public Support in Australia for Restrictions on Cigarette Smoking

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Public opinion is a major factor in the development and enacting of public policy. A community survey was conducted in order to gauge public opinion and determine the level of public support in Queensland for current restrictive tobacco policies and the extent to which other new measures would be supported. METHODS: The process used to develop the questionnaire included a summary of previous research, qualitative interviews, expert input and pilot testing. A cross-sectional community postal survey of 871 adult Queensland residents was conducted using a random sample obtained from the electoral roll. The final response rate was 71.3%. RESULTS: Community members supported issues which reflected the 'public good', including restrictions to smoking indoors, use of tobacco taxes to fund initiatives related to prevention and cessation programs, event sponsorship and research programs. A broad range of support was evident for different strategies related to advertising. CONCLUSION: There is currently strong support for action to be taken to increase restrictions in areas which are enabling children to take up smoking (e.g. advertising and promotion and the availability of cigarettes from vending machines). SO WHAT?: This information can be used for the advancement of smoking control in Queensland and can be used as a baseline level to measure future changes in public support