Australia Passes the World's First Cigarette Plain-Packaging Laws
Australia Passes the World's First Cigarette Plain-Packaging Laws
Tobacco is a major risk factor for CVD and is responsible for almost 5 million deaths annually
Great Success for the Tobacco Control Movement
On 10 November, the global tobacco control movement achieved a great success in Australia with the passing of the world's first plain-packaging law. The law restricts the ability of tobacco companies to use cigarette packages as advertisements by outlawing the use of company trademarks, colours, logos or graphics on the package. The majority of the package will be covered with health warnings and images in effort to encourage those who smoke to quit and prevent others from ever starting to smoke. (see example below)
Tobacco is responsible for close to 5 million deaths per year. As one of the most modifiable and important risk factors for heart disease and stroke, reducing the global use of tobacco is high on the World Heart Federation's agenda. We applaud our Australian Members and tobacco control advocates in Australia for their hard work and determination in getting this law passed. Although the tobacco companies will undoubtedly fight back against this bill, rest assured that the World Heart Federation and its members will continue to advocate for strong tobacco control policies worldwide.
For more information:
Read the media release from the National Heart Foundation of Australia >
Learn more about the role of the National Heart Foundation of Australia >