Conference Background

The 2nd Australian Tobacco Control Conference was an important opportunity for the health promotion sector to consider the latest research in tobacco control and to share strategies that aim to reduce smoking prevalence and extend smokefree environments. It was a great success with over 370 delegates from 14 countries and a wide range of excellent presentations.

The Conference catered for participants with a range of expertise and was a forum for discussion, debate and information sharing on key tobacco control issues and strategic planning. It provided an important opportunity to inform and educate those with less developed tobacco control knowledge.

The 3rd Australian Tobacco Control Conference will be held in Perth in 2005.

The aims of the conference were to:

• Progress debate in Australian tobacco control.
• Increase awareness and activity in tobacco control
• Strengthen strategic partnerships locally, nationally and internationally
• Build capacity and knowledge in people who work in the area of tobacco control through skill development and advocacy
• Contribute to future policy agendas
• Provide opportunities for delegates, particularly newcomers to the field and younger people, to participate and present

The high calibre of presentations and opportunities for discussion ensured that the aims were met.