The 2nd Australian Tobacco Control Conference ‘Tobacco Control: A Blue Chip Investment’ :Smokefree: a healthy future was held in April 2003, Melbourne.

There was an Indigenous focus at the conference which included: a Pre-conference Workshop on Indigenous Tobacco Control; keynote address; a specific Indigenous concurrent session; an emphasis on poster presentations; and an Indigenous space.

The issues surrounding Indigenous tobacco control received strong support and interest at the 1st Tobacco Control Conference in Adelaide, June 2000. Many Indigenous delegates attended Adelaide and this provided a unique opportunity for delegates to meet each other, share information about their work and learn more about tobacco control in general. The conference also provided an opportunity for delegates to support each other both during and after the conference.

With an even greater emphasis at the 2nd conference on Indigenous tobacco control, increased opportunities for networking, support and increasing skills were offered to delegates. Many people working in Indigenous tobacco control and those who would like to learn more about the area attended the conference.

Pre-conference Workshop – Indigenous Tobacco Control
A one day workshop took place on Tuesday 8th April, the day before the conference. The workshop covered issues such as International developments in Indigenous tobacco control, the latest statistics on tobacco related sickness and death, research priorities, health promotion resources, national update, State and Territory updates and conference resolutions.

Keynote Address – Indigenous Tobacco Control
Associate Professor Ian Anderson from the VicHealth Koori Health Research and Community Development Unit delivered the keynote address on Indigenous issues during the opening session of the conference. The address explored past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tobacco control with an emphasis on future directions.
Indigenous specific concurrent session

This session was for delegates presenting in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tobacco control. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presenters were also spread throughout remaining concurrent sessions and this ensured everyone had ample opportunity to access both Indigenous specific and general tobacco control information.

Poster Presentations
Poster presentations were given a high priority at the conference with specific sessions scheduled on the first two days (ie they did not compete with other sessions or lunch). Poster sessions allowed presenters to use a more pictorial style of presentation and to showcase resources. They also allowed for more interaction as people had time to informally ask questions or gather information about projects.