FED:Tobbacco giants oppose plain packaging

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2011
FED:Tobbacco giants oppose plain packaging

SYDNEY, April 7 AAP - Tobacco giants in Australia have slammed the federal government's
proposed legislation on plain packaging, saying there's "no credible evidence" it will
reduce smoking.

But the government in New Zealand has welcomed the move, and says it's considering
following in Australia's footsteps.

Philip Morris, Imperial Tobacco and British American Tobacco Australia (BATA) have
all criticised the announcement made by Health Minister Nicola Roxon on Thursday.

Imperial Tobacco, whose brands include Gauloises, said it would "robustly challenge"

the move, which it described as "disproportionate and misguided".

"Plain packaging has not been introduced in any country in the world and there is no
evidence to support the government's claim that this will reduce smoking," the company
said in a statement.

All three companies said plain packaging would destroy their trademarks and is a violation
of numerous international trade laws.

BATA - whose brands include Winfield, Dunhill and Benson & Hedges - said the government's
proposal would infringe international trademark and intellectual property laws.

"The government could end up wasting millions of taxpayers' dollars in legal fees trying
to defend their decision, let alone the potential to pay billions to the tobacco industry
for taking away our intellectual property," spokesman Scott McIntyre said in a statement.

Chris Argent, a spokesman for Philip Morris which produces Marlboro among others, said
the company was "disappointed" the government had not taken these issues into account.

Plain packaging would fuel the illicit trade in tobacco products, Mr Argent told AAP.

"We'll continue to oppose plain packaging in every way possible because of those serious
issues that the government hasn't taken into account when pursuing this policy," he said.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand government welcomed the decision.

"It is my expectation that New Zealand will inevitably follow their lead and look to
introduce the plain packaging of tobacco products," said Associate Health Minister Tariana
Turia.

The New Zealand government had already announced it would monitor progress on Australia's
proposal and explore the option of making a similar move, she added.

"This government is very serious about reducing the harm caused by smoking and it is
vital that we do more to help people quit smoking and stop young people from being tempted
to take up the habit."

AAP ih/tr/cdh

KEYWORD: TOBACCO REAX

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