Objective: This presentation will explore the policy development and behavioural research for, and tobacco industry arguments against, plain packaging. It will show that plain packaging is the next logical step in tobacco control in Australia if we are to reach the stated target of 10% smoking prevalence.
Methods: Exploration of tobacco control policy measures undertaken in Australia to curb tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and review of current international and national policy recommendations supporting plain packaging. Existing peer-reviewed research on plain packaging will be summarised, as will the tobacco industry arguments against plain packaging and the response of the public health community to these arguments.
Results: Plain packaging is recommended for consideration by governments in Guidelines under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and also the final report of the Preventive Health Taskforce. Research shows that plain packaging greatly reduces the appeal and attractiveness of cigarettes, can reduce pack design elements that mislead smokers about the harm of products and increase the impact of graphic health warnings. Tobacco industry arguments to disrupt plain packaging progress are easily debunked.
Conclusion: The Australian Government is well supported by the public health evidence and the tobacco industry’s own documents in its decision to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products in Australia by July 2012. Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, GPs, public health professionals, policy makers and other allied health professionals should take any opportunity they have to publically endorse this intiative.