The AMA today called on all parties to support the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products in Australia and to publicly condemn the reported tobacco industry advertising campaign against this groundbreaking public health initiative.

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said that Australia is set to lead the world with strong anti-smoking measures that will save lives and improve the health of the population, and urged all parties and politicians to get behind the plain packaging plan.

“The AMA strongly supports the move to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products and we also support the increase in the tobacco excise that was legislated in June this year,” Dr Pesce said.

“Plain packaging will make it harder for tobacco products to be advertised or promoted in an appealing way, especially to teenagers and young Australians.

“Cigarette packaging has become a critical marketing tool as the pack design is used to create expectations in the consumer about the product.  By using the packet as a billboard, the manufacturers are using one of the last remaining legal avenues open to them to promote their product.

“Smoking kills people and causes devastating health outcomes, including cardiovascular or coronary heart disease and cancer.

“We must do everything we can to stop people smoking, and this includes condemning and opposing this cynical tobacco industry funded campaign against plain packaging of tobacco products.”

According to Health Insite - http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Smoking:

• Smoking is a key risk factor for the three diseases that cause most deaths in Australia - ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and lung cancer;
• Smoking is responsible for around 80 per cent of all lung cancer deaths and 20 per cent of all cancer deaths;
• Smoking has been linked to cancers of the mouth, bladder, kidney, stomach and cervix, among others;
• Smokers are also at increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and reduced lung function;
• Smoking in pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for both mother and child; and
• Tobacco use has been linked to a variety of other conditions, such as diabetes, peptic ulcers, some vision problems, and back pain.

4 August 2010

CONTACT:    John Flannery        02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761

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