Australia to introduce plain packaging smoking laws

Australia is about to introduce its plain packaging smoking laws, the toughest in the world.

Companies face fines of up to $1.1 million if they do not obey the "world-first" draft laws, being introduced today.
 

However, big tobacco are fighting the laws ferociously and are threatening to take the government to court.
 

British American Tobacco said the government will effectively hand over millions of taxpayers’ dollars in legal fees if it proceeds with the measure, Australian Associated Press reports.

The company has asked the federal court in Australia to order the government to release the legal advice it is relying on to impose plain packaging.
 

Philip Morris has also flagged taking court action and is accusing the government of breaching a bilateral investment treaty with Hong Kong, where the company is based, Australia's ABC reports.
 

Late last month it served a notice of claim on the Australian government and says if there is no resolution it will go to international arbritration.
 

However, the Gillard government in Australia said today it was was ‘‘absolutely committed’’ to reducing death and disease brought about by smoking, AAP reports.
 

‘‘That’s why we’re prepared to lead the world on tackling smoking,’’ Australia's health minister, Nicola Roxon said.
 

‘‘Once enacted, these plain packaging laws will be the world’s toughest laws on tobacco prohibition.
 

’’The draft laws will make it an offence to sell, supply, purchase, package or manufacture tobacco products for retail sale in anything other than plain packaging," AAP reports.

The only thing to distinguish one brand from another will be the brand and variant name in a standard colour, standard position and standard font size and style.
 

The dark brown colour of the packaging had been chosen based on research showing it had the lowest appeal to smokers.
 

The maximum penalty for committing a fault-based criminal offence will be $220,000 for an individual and $1.1 million for a body corporate.
 

The National Heart Foundation in Australia said dangerous and addictive products should not be marketed in glossy, coloured packs designed to send a misleading message about their contents.
 

‘‘No consumer product in Australia kills like tobacco does,’’ said foundation chief Lyn Roberts.
 

Nor was any product used by so many people who would prefer not to be using it, she said.