Plain packs send plain message - stop smoking
The AMA welcomes the draft Bill for the plain packaging of tobacco products and the proposed design of the new packs, both of which were released today by the Government.
AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said the plain packaging laws would put Australia ahead of the world in anti-smoking measures.
“Plain packaging will save lives and improve the health of many thousands of Australians,” Dr Pesce said.
“Tobacco companies use package design to convey images of smoking as glamorous and attractive to lure people, especially young people, to take up smoking.
“But the proposed bland pack colour combined with the strong images of the destructive effects of smoking on the human body will take the glamour out of cigarettes.
“It will help people make the decision to quit and will be a strong deterrent for people tempted to take up the deadly habit.
“Research shows that almost half of the teenagers who ever use tobacco will eventually die as a result of smoking if they do not stop.
“Every cigarette causes damage. Smoking kills. Every day, doctors care for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions that have resulted from tobacco use.
“The AMA will vigorously support measures to reduce the deaths and health damage caused by tobacco.
“We urge all MPs and Senators to get behind this important Bill,” Dr Pesce said.
7 April 2011
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Geraldine Kurukchi 02 6270 5467 / 0427 209 753
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