VicHealth backs new tobacco regulations 

VicHealth welcomes groundbreaking laws in the fight against big tobacco 

VicHealth strongly supports the Australian Government’s proposed strengthening of tobacco regulations, outlined today by Health Minister Mark Butler.  

Strengthening these areas will go a long way to protecting the health of our community to ensure Australia is once again a world leader in tobacco control. 

Today, a new landmark Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2023 was introduced as an urgent action to help prevent the harm caused by cigarettes and e-cigarettes. 

VicHealth strongly supports the Government’s commitment today to: 

• Update and improve graphic warnings on tobacco packaging, including the addition of health promotion inserts in packs and pouches 
• Standardise the size of tobacco products and the design and look of filters  
• Prevent the use of additives like menthols in tobacco products 
• Limit the use of appealing names that imply reduced harm  
• Improve transparency of tobacco sales volumes, product contents, and advertising and promotional activities 
• Prohibit advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of e-cigarettes  

VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio said urgent change was needed to place the health of Australians above the profits of the tobacco industry. 

“We strongly support and welcome the Australian Government’s push for stronger regulations against the tobacco industry,” Dr Demaio said. 

"This includes 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. 

“We commend Minister Butler’s urgent push for change.”  

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 CONTACTS:  

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

Sean Munaweera, External Communications Coordinator,  0413 349 668 or [email protected]