HIGH rates of cigarette smoking among young Aboriginal people has forced the government into action, with Health Minister Fiona Nash vowing to stamp out smoking in the community.
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Ms Nash said 45 per cent of Indigenous people smoked, more than double the number of non-Indigenous smokers.
Wagga elder Aunty Isabel Reid commended the government’s commitment to funding anti-smoking programs in regional areas.
“I’ve very frightened for our young ones,” Ms Reid.
“Traditionally Aboriginal people have been very healthy and that is changing.”
Ms Reid said she would support any measures to reduce smoking in the community.
“If we can do anything to wean them off it would be great.”
Tough new smoking restrictions come into force from June 6.
