Tuesday, July 4, 2000


DOYLE SLAMS KIDS' ARMY PLAN FOR ILLEGAL CIGARETTE SALES


The Bracks Government's plan to use children to dob in retailers selling
cigarettes to minors is ridiculous, Shadow Health Minister Robert Doyle said
today.

Mr Doyle said Labor's plan for a kids' army to spy on retailers was completely
unacceptable and should immediately be scrapped.

He said Health Minister John Thwaites and the Bracks Government had a nanny
state mentality, culminating in this latest bizarre plan.

"This plan to use children as spies to dob in cigarette salesman is just a
joke," Mr Doyle said.

"What comes next, compulsory cold showers and early bedtime?

"The Bracks Government is continually being shown up for having no new ideas.

"When it finally comes up with one, it's a sham.

"It also flies in the face of Labor's wish to crack down on inappropriate child
labour.

"No one likes the thought of retailers selling cigarettes to people under 18.
But this should be policed by police, local government and parents - not
children."