Cancer Council Australia and the National Heart Foundation of Australia have commended federal MPs for emphatically passing legislation to introduce plain packaging for the sale of tobacco products sold in Australia from next year.
CEO of Cancer Council Australia, Professor Ian Olver, said Australia’s position as a world leader in tobacco control was significantly strengthened by the passage of the plain packaging bills tonight in the House of Representatives.
“The evidence on how much young people in particularly can be lured to smoking by the look and feel of the packaging is compelling, so this is a landmark day in restricting the way tobacco products can be promoted,” said Professor Olver, a medical oncologist who for three decades treated people dying from tobacco-caused cancers.
“Health Minister Nicola Roxon showed great courage and conviction for taking on the tobacco companies and championing plain packaging.
“All members who supported plain packaging should be congratulated for putting the health of their constituents before the interests of big tobacco companies.”
CEO of the National Heart Foundation, Dr Lyn Roberts, said young Australians turned off smoking by the sight of a drab brown pack with a more prominent graphic warning will greatly reduce their risk of premature cardiovascular disease.
“Minister Roxon and all Members who supported plain packaging have taken one of the nation’s most important public policy steps towards removing the glamour from smoking,” Dr Roberts said.
“Other countries keen to reduce the population health harms of tobacco will be encouraged by Australia’s leadership on plain packaging.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Cancer Council:
Paul Grogan 0409 456 727
Glen Turner 0412 443 212
Heart Foundation:
Kirsten Andrews 0413 777 404