Nationals leader and Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan yesterday spoke about the proposed underage smoking laws to Catholic College Bendigo students.

His visit to the school was part of a state-wide consultation with teenagers and communities about the proposed laws.

‘‘The principal purpose is to achieve a change in culture in the minds of these young people that it is simply not cool to smoke,’’ he said.

‘‘The statistics tell us that 90 per cent of smokers started smoking in their teens.

‘‘Statistics also tell us that if you add up deaths from alcohol, motor-vehicle accidents and heart attacks, they don’t come as close to those that die as a result of tobacco-related disease.’’

Nationals MP Damian Drum has covered 3000 km, talking to more than 2000 teenagers and seeking their views.

‘‘Some elements, such as the ban on smoking in cars, are receiving almost universal support, while others are provoking some stimulating debate,’’ he said.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show there are 12 or 13 new teenage smokers in the district every week, and 40-50 every month.

The proposed bill also plans to make it unlawful for those under 18 to sell tobacco, and wants to include a ban on tobacco packet displays in retail shops.

‘‘Years ago, it was not a done thing to put a seat belt on in the car, it was quite okay to go to the hotel and have too many drinks, get in the car and drive,’’ Mr Ryan said.

‘‘People understand now that it’s simply not the right thing to do and that is the outcome we’re seeking to achieve.’’

Year 12 student Ben Kemp said the consultation helped students understand the consequences of smoking.

‘‘A lot of my friends are constantly smoking, sometimes they won’t even go into a gig,’’ he said.

‘‘They do it more for social acceptance, it’s not even a peer pressure thing, it’s just that everyone is doing it.

‘‘(The consultation) really opens your eyes to the consequences.’’