WMA congruatulates Australia on Legislating for Plain Cigarette Packaging

The World Medical Association has called on governments around the world to follow the example of Australia in legislating for plain cigarette packaging.

Last week the Australian Parliament’s House of Representatives passed legislation dictating that all cigarette packets must be uniform olive green with the name of the brand in small type. In the coming weeks the country’s upper house is expected to pass the legislation which will come into force on January 1.

Commenting on the news, Dr. Wonchat Subhachaturas, President of the WMA, said:

‘Australia is to be congratulated on becoming the first country in the world to introduce such legislation and I hope this will encourage governments around the world to follow the same path.

‘I believe the Australian Medical Association is absolutely right when it says that this will save lives and reduce health hazards. Governments must do what they can to help smokers give up and this would be an important step in helping people choose a healthier way of life and reduce the effect on second hand smokers in the neighbourhood and family’.