Graphic Cigarette Packs A Great Start, But Stronger Warnings Needed on Front of Pack

The new warnings - covering 30 per cent of the front of the pack and 90 per cent of the back - take effect from 1 March 2006.

"When the new warnings were announced in June 2004, the AMA and other anti-smoking groups called for either 50/90 or 50/50 configurations on the packs,' Dr Haikerwal said.

"As with most products, it is the front of the cigarette pack that has the most impact with the consumer. Smokers and potential smokers - especially teenagers - need to be confronted with the ugliness and horror of the killer habit the instant they see the cigarette packs.

"So the next step must be to make the warnings bigger on the front of the pack or move to generic packaging in an effort to erode brand loyalty and trendy packaging, which are key tools in cigarette marketing."

In the absence of the stronger warnings across the front of the pack, Dr Haikerwal said the Government must nevertheless be congratulated in highlighting the dangers of smoking to people's health with the new graphic images.

"The images show clearly the devastation that smoking can wreak on the human body, both internally and externally.

"Smokers and those tempted to smoke are left in no doubt that the deadly habit can take their lives, shorten their lives, or rob their quality of life.

"Having the Quitline number prominently displayed on the packs is a positive move. It sends a clear signal to smokers that help is readily available for people wanting to kick the habit or avoid taking it up.

"GPs are another source of help for people wanting to give up smoking. They counsel patients about to give up the habit and encourage younger people to never take it up.

"The anti-smoking war is an ongoing community effort and the new cigarette pack images unveiled today are another major health warning to smokers, but more needs to be done.

"The AMA looks forward to working with the Government on future anti-smoking initiatives," Dr Haikerwal said.