Top Award for Victoria
The AMA tracks how effective governments have been at combating smoking over the previous 12 months. All states and territories are rated over a number of categories, including legislation and cessation services.
Last month, Minister Andrews introduced new laws into Parliament to help prevent young people from taking up smoking, protect children from second-hand smoke in motor vehicles and support more people to quit.
The AMA ranked Victoria as the best performer during 2008. It specifically acknowledged the release of the Victorian Tobacco Control Strategy 2008 - 2013 which includes a commitment to ban point of sale displays, smoking in cars carrying children, and enhanced social marketing, education programs and cessation services.
The scorecard had South Australia receiving the AMA's Dirty Ashtray Award for the Australian State or Territory that made the least progress on combating smoking during 2008.