Big tobacco

Analysis and Comment (15)

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The tobacco industry has stated publicly that it’s helping countries bring claims against Australia’s tobacco plain packaging law. LUKAS COCH/AAP

Australia’s plain tobacco packaging law at the WTO

By Tania Voon, University of Melbourne and Andrew Mitchell, University of Melbourne

Earlier this month, Cuba became the fourth country to challenge Australia’s plain tobacco packaging law by requesting consultations with Australia through the World Trade Organization (WTO). Tobacco companies…
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The tobacco and alcohol industries have more in common than it seems. Benjamin Wilken

Big Alcohol and Big Tobacco – boozem buddies?

By Wayne Hall and Mike Daube, Curtin University

In Australia, the most effective and efficient ways to reduce alcohol-related harm – increasing taxation, and restricting availability and alcohol promotion – are politically unpopular. This mismatch between…
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Former European commissioner for health and consumer policy, John Dalli gives a news conference in Brussels a week after his resignation. EPA/Olivier Hoslet

Don’t snort, wet smokeless tobacco is an addictive political thriller

By Mathias Klang, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

For most people, the idea of a wet smokeless tobacco may seem more like a joke than reality. This may be why potential changes to the European Union’s tobacco directive, which may allow its sale all over…
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Sweden is ahead of many nations in anti-smoking efforts but it’s not at the head of the class. Jess Pac

My complacent country: why Sweden has long way to go on tobacco reform

By Mathias Klang, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

In general, Swedes tend to have a good self-image. Not necessarily of ourselves as individuals but of Sweden and Swedes as a whole. The general view is that we are more democratic, liberal, rational, equal…
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It’s time for the Future Fund to end its deadly addiction to tobacco investment. Robert Huffstutter

No future? End the Future Fund’s affair with Big Tobacco

By Matthew Rimmer

Australia has shown outstanding leadership on tobacco control – but it could do more. The next step is surely for the Future Fund to quit its addiction to tobacco investments. The Gillard government’s…
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The blogosphere is a sewer of frothing, often anonymous, swill. Flickr/joeshoe

Hate mail and cyber trolls: the view from inside public health

By Simon Chapman

The Charlotte Dawson troll saga shocked many Australians, with revelations of vile tweets, death threats and online intimidation. Nobody should have to endure this kind of abuse, but unfortunately it’s…
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There’s a broad base of public support for government action against smoking in New Zealand. Barbara Walton/AAP

Big Tobacco on the warpath against plain packaging in New Zealand

By Alistair Woodward, University of Auckland

The tobacco industry has launched an advertising campaign against the New Zealand government’s proposal to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products. According to the media campaign, plain packaging…
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Tobacco control campaigns succeed because they’re realistic and amenable to implementation. giannisl/Flickr

Bring on the end of tobacco use – but not a total ban tomorrow

By Mike Daube, Curtin University

The High Court decision to reject Big Tobacco’s case against plain packaging was not a surprise – but it was nonetheless a stunning victory for the government and for public health. But there is still…
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Uruguayan chancellor Luis Almagro, whose his country will join efforts with Australia to face Phillip Morris. EPA/SASHENKA GUTIERREZ

Why bilateral investment treaties are the last refuge of Big Tobacco

By Ross MacKenzie

The tobacco industry has no recourse other than to pursue its challenge to the Australian government’s plain cigarette pack legislation via international trade agreements in the wake of yesterday’s High…
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Australia’s High Court has dismissed the plain tobacco packaging case brought against the government by tobacco companies. TRACEY NEARMY/AAP

Big Tobacco crashes at first legal hurdle on plain packaging

By Simon Chapman

This morning Australia’s High Court dismissed the plain tobacco packaging case brought against the Australian government by the world’s largest tobacco companies. The companies had challenged the government…
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Former health minister Nicola Roxon has won numerous awards for the plain packaging legislation. AAp/Tracey Nearmy

In praise of Australia’s best minister for prevention

By Mike Daube, Curtin University

It isn’t often that an Australian minister visits the United States to acclaim, is hailed as a “global champion” and receives a major award to accompany assorted national and international awards already…
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The government argues that plain packaging is “directed to informing, redressing and reducing harm to the public health." AAPIMAGE/Tracey Nearmy

Big Tobacco’s box fetish: plain packaging at the high court

By Matthew Rimmer

Tobacco, says the World Health Organisation (WHO), is “the only legal consumer product that kills when used exactly as intended by the manufacturer.” Supporting the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco…

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