Health Minister Michael Ferguson earlier this year suggested the state could raise the legal smoking age to 21 or 25 in a bid to reduce smoking rates. In a statement released Thursday, Mr Ferguson backed away from the plan. 

“We have consulted widely on the concept after having included it in the Healthy Tasmania Consultation Draft and have come to the view that it is not an appropriate response at this time,” he said. 

“Nonetheless, the government’s response to the smoking challenge is bold, and will be announced shortly with the release of the Healthy Tasmania Strategic Plan.”

Australian Medical Association state president Stuart Day said Tasmania had missed the opportunity to be a leader in reducing smoking rates. 

“It is disappointing to see this legislation has been taken off the table however, hopefully this will open the door for further discussions around implementing the Tobacco Free Generation Bill,” he said.

Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Kym Goodes said it was encouraging to see the government had listened to what the community wanted.

Heart Foundation chief executive Graeme Lynch said the organisation hoped to see continued investment in evidence-based social marketing strategies. 

“What we’re concerned with is the 70,000 Tasmanians who are currently smoking,” he said.