Libs support Labor internet tobacco ad ban

Labor MPs have urged the coalition to stop accepting political donations from tobacco companies as the lower house debates a ban on cigarette advertising on the internet.

The coalition is supporting a government amendment to tobacco advertising laws to restrict ads on the internet in line with other media.

The move will mean it will be an offence to advertise tobacco products on the internet.

Liberal MP Andrew Southcott said the coalition shared a common desire with Labor to achieve a healthier society.

The current laws lacked clarity, Dr Southcott told parliament.

Labor MP Craig Thomson said the coalition needed to take the next step and ban political donations from tobacco companies as the ALP had done.

His call was reiterated by Labor MP Michelle Rowland, who said taking political donations from tobacco companies was wrong.

Liberal MP Sharman Stone said the changes to tobacco advertising to restrict internet advertising were very important.

But the government should also reform laws to include warnings on alcohol containers because Australia was dragging the chain on that front compared to other countries, Dr Stone said.

"Surely a country like ours must bite the bullet," she told parliament on Monday.

Debate on the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Amendment Bill 2010 continues.

source: www.tradingroom.com.au