The Albanese Government has introduced into Parliament legislation aimed at limiting the use of tobacco and nicotine e-cigarettes.
The legislation would update warnings on packaging, standardise packets and products, ban the use of some additives, limit the use of promotional names, and capture e-cigarettes in advertising restrictions.
Tobacco use is estimated to kill more than 50 Australians every day – about 20,000 every year. It is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Australia.
Health minister Mark Butler said the Government aims to reduce the national smoking rate to less than 10 per cent by 2025 and 5 per cent or less by 2030.
The new laws will take effect from 1 April 2024.
“Australia has been a leader in public health measures to discourage smoking, but after a decade of inaction, the gains of Labor’s world-leading plain packaging laws have been squandered," said Mr Butler.
“Since the inception of plain packaging, big tobacco has become increasingly creative and cunning with their marketing tactics.
“This legislation will allow Australia to reclaim its position as a world leader on tobacco control."
Mr Butler added, “The Government is determined to support Australians tackling nicotine dependency and this next generation reform will cease any form of enticement.”