SM,

Any party that attempts to run in elections needs financial backing to support their campaign which as we know is expensive. Therefore
within reason and their political support base they will solicit
and accept financial support. Just as Big Business, the Tobacco
Industry, the Oil Companies, Mining, et cetera support the party of
their choice. Blaming politicians for denying support from certain sources is not warranted because politically admitting support from
certain groups only generates hysteria in the media which may upset
the voting base that supports that party. That's the way it has developed from early election times. If any party stood on their
principles then there would be no financial support in their endeavours to govern the country. We would then have the American
system where only rich, often unqualified, people attempt to seek the top job and where special interests have a huge influence on politicians through campaign donations which often lead to policies that favour those interests rather than the needs of all citizens.

Shadow Minister, please do not be too picky.
In thread after thread post after post you have insulted me and my union movement ,,because of our donations to, THE ALP.
You infer it is a bribe, do you choose to say this is not true.
Big business gives your side, some times mine too a lot.
Here however its TOBACCO and my side said no nearly 7 years ago.
Your team are putting mail,sent by my side to those dealers in death on the record.
Are we to believe this is not evidence of a close far too close relationship with the givers of those millions ?

NEW POSTERS!
Good morning to every one of you, every time I log in I see names we never see in print.
That is your right, but wanted to tell you about us.
I am just another inhabitant of OLO.
Nothing special, you will note threads like this get a bit feisty, do not let that concern you.
You may not agree with a single word I ever say, still take me on, or ignore me, but could you consider posting?
Every view has Merritt, we all know that,do not be put off come in the water is,well muddy one day sky blue the next.
Hit on the little red man under any post to see the history of that poster, the red cross to report a post you think is against the rules.
And forgive Shadow Minister and my self,we are fire and water will never agree.
Shadow old sparring partner!I have hit that little red man under your posts this morning, fair dinkum bloke! you should do it too, never laughed so much in my life.

Belly,

What has Labor done to reduce smoking, other than this poorly researched populist policy?

Nicotine Roxon before she criticises needs to get her house in order.

SM,

You might like to answer the question also. -

What has Tony Abbott (former health minister) and the Libs done in that area?

As for Labor? I Googled the subject and discovered the following
facts: And I quote:

1)$61 million National Tobacco Campaign on television and radio -
with a very simple message - every cigarette you smoke brings
cancer closer.

2)They're developing world-leading legislation to ban logos, colours,
brand imagery and promotional text on cigarette packets. So from
July 2012 - cigarette packets will no longer have anything eye-catching on them to attract young customers.

3)Legislation is currently before Parliament to restrict internet
advertising and promotion of tobacco products to bring it into
line with the same kind of restrictions that are placed on other media and over the counter sales.

4) Last year they increased the tobacco excise duty by 25 percent.

The finally point is:

It seems pretty clear that Mr Abbott who's such a health fanatic should really make 2011 as his year to kick the habit. The Liberal Party habit of supporting big tobacco. As a former health minister he
should stop taking tobacco donations and start supporting legislation
that will save Australian lives - like Labor is doing.

Good morning Shadow Minister, see you are here too.
I hope reading the link in your thread above.
Much the same can be said about your efforts here feeble,tilting to wards untruth.
And ignoring the truth.
Test me on this, it is said three from your side of the house said this to your Tony.
IF you run against plain packaging we will cross the floor.
They informed him at least 7 more intended to do so, I regard that as something you should be proud of.
NEXT
Climate change, Tony's desperation it seems is driven by the understanding some, on his side, intend to cross the floor.
He wants at any price to avoid that.
Breath deeply my Friend, in time you must retrace your steps.