[Greens-Media] Labor and Coalition vote together to defeat sun bed ban

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
11 May 2010


Labor and Coalition vote together to defeat sun bed ban

Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said that while the
defeat of the Greens motion to ban sunbeds on the combined vote of Labor
and the Coalition parties was a set back the campaign to outlaw what the
World Health Organisation has described as "carcinogenic to humans"
would continue. 

"Labor and the Coalition MPs in the NSW Upper House tonight voted
together to defeat the Greens motion that called on the government to
ban solariums," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"The decision to allow sunbeds to keep operating will result in death
and suffering. The evidence linking the use of sunbeds to melanoma is
conclusive. 
 
"Minister Frank Sartor would have signed off on the government's
decision to vote with the opposition against the ban motion. 

"NSW should be showing national leadership on winding up this
unnecessary industry. But instead we have seen today's weak response
that allows the cowboy solarium industry to continue. 

"The attempt by some Labor MPs to justify the no-ban stance by talking
about industry compliance was plain insulting.

"The industry is notorious for breaking the rules, and the rules
themselves are inadequate.

"Mr Sartor's actions are very disappointing. Many people fighting for
this ban expected the Minister to understand and support their campaign.


Jay Allen, a campaigner with No Sunbeds, speaking after the defeat of
the motion said, "I feel let down by Labor and Coalition politicians,
but that does not mean I will give up the fight for the ban.

"The case for the ban is clear cut. Sunbeds are closely linked to
melanoma.

"Those MPs who sang the virtues of regulation are out of touch with
reality. 

"As long as we do not have a ban many young people will use sunbeds and
a large number will end up with melanomas. For many that means a death
sentence. 

"I am a melanoma survivor and I will keep fighting for the ban," Mr
Allen said. 

For more information: Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
Jay Allen * 0430 933 012