Cigarette pack warnings - Government caves in to 'big tobacco'

It was reported in The Age today that the Government has opted for the weak 30/90 smoking warning option for packs - 30 per cent on the front and 90 per cent on the back of packs.

The AMA and other groups are pushing the 50/90 option, or the 50/50 option at the very least.

Dr Glasson said that in the same way that people judge a book by its cover, they would be more affected by graphic anti-smoking warnings on the front of packs.

"The 30/90 option is a cop-out," Dr Glasson said.

"Too many Australians are dying or developing chronic illness due to smoking, and young Australians continue to take up the disgusting habit despite the risks.

"The warnings and the disincentives to smoke must be greater.

"The Government had a real chance to show leadership in the fight against smoking with the pack warning legislation, but it seems they have dropped the ball.

"The proposal to have warnings occupy just 30 per cent of the front and 90 per cent of the back of packs goes against the recommendations of all Australia's leading health groups.

"It is no surprise that the only supporters of the 30/90 option are the tobacco manufacturers.

"No surprise, either, that it is the least effective public health measure that the Government could introduce to combat smoking.

"It seems that Parliamentary Secretary Trish Worth, an active anti-smoking campaigner, has been rolled by Cabinet.  They often roll their own."

Dr Glasson said arguments put forward by tobacco companies that it takes time to produce new packaging with warnings are a complete nonsense.

"Tobacco companies have shown that they have the ability to produce special edition thematic cigarette packs at very short notice that are available for a limited time.

"This can be seen in the commemorative cigarette packet for the Japanese Grand Prix, which features a picture of Mika Hakkinen's McLaren on the back.

"If the manufactures can do this in quick time, there is no reason they can't produce proper warning packaging equally as quickly.

"The AMA believes the packaging delay argument is merely a smokescreen for stockpiling of product with minimal warnings.

"What this means for the consumer is that every month that the manufacturers are given to delay the introduction of new health warnings is another month of stockpiling.

"The mountain of cigarettes that would accumulate in the eighteen months that the manufacturers have asked for to change their packaging will mean that it will be years before smokers actually start to see the shock packs - and some time after that before any health benefits to individuals and the community flow on.

"Canada allowed just six months for packaging changes to be introduced.  Brazil allowed nine months.  Eighteen months is far too long.

"The Government should also consider making it unlawful for old stockpiled stock to be sold, say, three months after new stronger warning packs are introduced."

Dr Glasson said another option the Government could force on 'Big Tobacco' is generic packaging.

"Research has shown that generic packaging would break the link in consumers' minds between images and specific brands.

"In the meantime, we must pursue the 50/50 and 50/90 options.

"It is the right and responsible way for the Government to save Australian lives.

"Big Tobacco Australia is not interested in public health.

"Big Tobacco Australia has never been interested in public health and has consistently conspired since the mid 1950s to derail every anti-smoking initiative proposed by any Australian government.

"Big Tobacco Australia is only interested in profits.  Profits before people. 

"The Government must act to put people 100 per cent before Big Tobacco profits," Dr Glasson said.

CONTACT:         John Flannery            (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
                       Judith Tokley             (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306