Australia takes the lead

VicHealth welcomes the passing of landmark tobacco legislation that once again positions Australia as a world leader in tobacco control. 

The Australian Government’s new Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 includes measures to update and improve graphic warnings on tobacco products, restricting the use of flavours and stopping advertising of e-cigarettes, and is a historic moment in the fight against Big Tobacco. 

VicHealth CEO, Dr Sandro Demaio said the updated legislation is a critical step in protecting future generations of Australians from the harms of tobacco and nicotine. 

“Big Tobacco continues to find ways to undermine public health through increasingly sneaky marketing tactics,” Dr Demaio explained. 

“The passing of this legislation ensures Australia will once again be a world leader in tobacco control. We commend Minister Butler’s continued advocacy and the Australian Parliament for putting the health of our children above the profits of the tobacco industry. 

"The legislation highlights the urgency required to protect young people from the promotion and advertising of e-cigarettes, which are specifically designed to appeal to young people and threaten to unravel decades of hard work in tobacco control.” 

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. 

VicHealth is committed to working alongside all levels of government to protect, educate and support a new generation of Australians from the dangers of nicotine addiction. 

MEDIA CONTACT:  

James Lindsey, PR Lead, 0400 714 187 or [email protected]