Victoria bans commercial tanning units from 2015

With the aim of reducing the incidence of the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, new Victorian Government legislation will ban commercial tanning units in the State from 2015.

Explaining the banning of commercial sunbeds, Victorian Minister for Health David Davis stated "the clear weight of medical evidence supports a ban on solaria.

"Of all cancers, skin cancer represents one of the most significant cost burdens on our health system and adversely affected the health of many Victorians.

"(As a result) the Victorian ... Government has ... introduced legislation following through on our commitment to outlaw sun beds

"The amendments ... to the Radiation Act 2005 come almost six years after Clare Oliver lost her battle with melanoma after bringing the risks associated with solariums to the attention of many Australians."

Victoria commenced regulation of solariums and commercial tanning units in February 2008, with the complete ban on solaria bringing Victoria into line with similar provisions announced in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania.

Minister Davis added "Clinical Network (formerly the Victorian Cooperative Oncology Group), supported by Cancer Council Victoria and co-signed by 161 health professionals, made one of more than 200 submissions recently to the Coalition Government calling for a ban on commercial tanning units."

With 112 businesses currently licenced to operate 385 commercial tanning units through Victoria, there are objections to the new legislation.

Greg Ure, the operator of the Smooth & Tan salon in Manifold Heights told the Geelong Advertiser that his business that will be affected by the ban.

Ure explained "I have a problem with banning things in general.

"We don't ban cigarettes and a lot more people die from lung cancer than solariums. We don't ban cars and a lot more people die from car accidents."

Ure told the Geelong Advertiser that three years ago Smooth & Tan had three sunbeds; now there was one.

The commercial solaria ban is part of the Victorian Government's Skin Cancer Prevention Framework 2013-2017, launched in December 2012.

Explaining its objectives, Minister Davis concluded "the Framework outlines how we will coordinate an effective and sustainable approach to skin cancer prevention over the next five years.

"The announcement of the ban's timeframe in December 2012 gave businesses the time required to diversify their services or develop alternatives to harmful ultra-violet tanning before the ban takes effect in 2015.

"The banning of commercial tanning units will, over time, contribute to reducing the incidence of the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma."

23rd June 2009 - TANNING SALONS FADING