Australia will have some of
the most graphic tobacco health warnings in the world
25 June 2004
Australia will have some of
the most graphic tobacco health warnings in the world on cigarette packets
with announcement of new measures to reduce the incidence of smoking.
Explicit graphic warnings on cigarette packs and other tobacco products will
be introduced as part of the Australian
Government’s commitment to improving the health of all Australians by
alerting consumers to the dangers of smoking.
Tobacco smoking is the single largest preventable cause of death and
disability in Australia. It kills more than 19,000 people a year and costs
the Australian community around $21 billion in social costs per year.
“Cabinet has agreed to graphic warnings in colour and text warnings that
will occupy 30 per cent of the front and 90 per cent of the back of
cigarette packets. Tobacco companies must introduce the new packaging within
18 months of the regulations being gazetted,” Tony Abbott said.
“This means that a total of 60% of the primary surface areas of cigarette
packets will be taken up by health warnings. One side of the packaging will
also have printed health warnings.
The total surface area taken up by the warnings will be much greater, and
the graphic images will be bigger than under the alternative proposal. For
example, on the back of the packs, the graphic images take up a large
proportion of the space, whereas the 50/50 option had no graphic images on
the back. On the front of the pack, the graphic images are only marginally
smaller.
The new requirements will ensure consumers are fully informed of the wide
range of adverse health effects caused by tobacco smoking. Prominent
placement and hard-hitting graphic information should make the health
warnings more personally relevant to consumers and more easily understood.
“There will be a new rotation system for the health warnings, involving the
use of seven messages in the first year of the health warnings. Then these
messages will be replaced by another seven messages in the second year,”
Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Trish Worth, said.
“A new set of 14 health warnings comprising graphic images and explanatory
messages will provide updated information on a range of adverse health
effects of smoking, for example, ‘Smoking causes mouth and throat cancer’,
‘Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease’ and ‘Smoking causes blindness’.
The more familiar warnings such as ‘Smoking kills’ and ‘Smoking causes lung
cancer and emphysema’ will also be included and should be given new impetus
by the accompanying graphics.
“There will be a phase-in period of 18 months from the date of gazettal of
the regulations. During this time suppliers may choose to meet either the
current or new requirements.”
The Australian Government recognises the importance of introducing these
warnings at the earliest possible opportunity. However, tobacco suppliers
may have to purchase dedicated new equipment and to establish new production
facilities or source new complying products from overseas. Therefore, they
will be provided time to do so.
Upgraded regulations will lead to the requirement for statements on the tar,
nicotine and carbon monoxide yields to be replaced with more consumer
relevant information on the toxic hazards of tobacco smoke.
The introduction of similar graphic health warnings in Canada have
contributed to a 3% drop in the incidence of smoking.
“Australia needs effective, confronting warnings that more fully inform
consumers and, in particular, young people about the very serious hazards
arising from taking up smoking,” Ms Worth said.
“It is hoped that the graphic images may even jolt long term smokers to
reconsider continuing their habit.”