New smoking laws for Australia target ‘cunning’ tactics of big tobacco

New laws aimed at curbing smoking and addiction to tobacco products in Australia will be introduced into federal parliament today.

The government said the legislation represented the biggest anti-smoking reforms in 12 years, and aimed to help Australians kick a habit that costs 20,000 lives every year.
Cigarettes and vapes will be required to carry improved health warnings about their dangers, including on individual cigarettes.

The size of cigarette packets will also be standardised and the use of additives, such as methanol, will be banned from cigarettes and vapes.
Other reforms including limiting the use of appealing names for products, while requiring health promotion information to be inserted into packets.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the overhaul builds on the reforms introduced 12 years ago and targets tobacco manufacturers.

“Since the inception of plain packaging, big tobacco has become increasingly creative and cunning with their marketing tactics,” he said.
“This legislation will allow Australia to reclaim its position as a world leader on tobacco control.”

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Australia and kills more than 50 people every day.
The government aims to reduce the national smoking rate to less than 10 per cent by 2025 and 5 per cent or less by 2030.
It wants to cut the rate among Indigenous Australians to 27 per cent or less by 2030.

Source: 9news


Donate

$