Latest Developments

Australia is leading the way

The Australian Government has proposed legislation mandating that all tobacco products must be sold in plain packaging in Australia by December 1st 2012 - the first country in the world to make this commitment.

This has been led by their Government with support from the general public.

Minister for Health and Ageing in Australia, Nicola Roxon said: ’
“One of the most momentous public health measures in Australia’s history has been delivered by the Australian Parliament - legislation requiring the plain packaging of tobacco products…

We know that packaging remains one of the last powerful marketing tools for tobacco companies to recruit new smokers to their deadly products. In the future, cigarette packets will serve only as a stark reminder of the devastating health effects.

New Zealand is ‘actively considering’ following Australia’s lead and introducing plain tobacco packaging also.”

What’s happening here?

The UK Government has committed to run a consultation on plain tobacco packaging in the Spring, and will soon be asking the opinion of the general public and experts.

This is your chance to have a real influence on the process. We’ll be asking the Government to consider your support as part of the consultation process on plain packaging. And the more people that get involved and show their support for plain packaging now, the more our voice will be heard and the stronger the chance we will follow Australia’s lead in making tobacco packs look plain.