Qld: Public supports regulation of cosmetic surgery for teens

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2007
Qld: Public supports regulation of cosmetic surgery for teens

BRISBANE, Dec 23 AAP - Queensland is a step closer to becoming the first Australian
state to regulate cosmetic surgery among teenagers after overwhelming public support for
the move.

In October Premier Anna Bligh released a discussion paper on the subject, due to anecdotal
evidence suggesting cosmetic procedures such as nose jobs and breast enhancements were
widely sought and received among teens.

The majority of the 290 public submissions received since the paper's release are in
favour of regulating cosmetic surgery, as well as the use of solariums by teenagers, Ms
Bligh said today.

"Ninety-five per cent called for more regulation of cosmetic surgery by people under
18 years and 96 per cent supported restrictions on minors using solariums," she said in
a statement.

"The overwhelming community support is generally in line with the views of key stakeholders
such as surgeons and the Cancer Council, who have been individually consulted."

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said he would present regulatory options for cosmetic
surgery and solarium use to cabinet next year.

"We don't want to become a nanny state, but anecdotal evidence of huge increases in
breast implants, nose jobs and tummy tucks amongst teenagers is alarming," Mr Robertson
said.

"I'm not against these procedures to correct deformities or negate any medical or psychological
impact caused by specific body features, but major surgery for purely cosmetic reasons
for youngsters must be questioned."

No Australian state or territory directly regulates the provision of cosmetic surgery to minors.

Victoria recently passed laws making it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to use
a solarium, and that 16- and 17-year-olds only be able to use a solarium with parental
consent.

A meeting of Australian health ministers next year will consider the development of
nationally consistent regulation of solariums.

AAP dmc/ht/mn

KEYWORD: COSMETIC

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.