Australia has called on the international community for support as tobacco giants look to block its proposals to introduce some of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the world. The new legislation would make it compulsory that cigarette packaging be of a plain olive-green color with health warnings, graphic pictures and a restriction on tobacco company trademarks. The Australian government urged the international community to reject the inevitable efforts to challenge the new legislation by big tobacco corporations and the World Trade Organization. The legislation is being followed with interest by New Zealand, Canada, the European Union and Britain who are also considering introducing similar changes. Health Minister, Nicola Roxon said, “a tobacco company themself can't bring a claim in the WTO. A state has to do that. I won't be surprised if tobacco companies are out there looking for a country to claim on their behalf, and we urge countries not to do that.” Reports say that these tough anti-tobacco laws could be passed as soon as next week. Already there has been a backlash from tobacco firms such as British American Tobacco, who have threatened a High Court challenge. Roxon remains a passionate advocate for stronger anti-smoking legislation despite unease over potential compensation claims, which could potentially mount to billions of dollars. Although smoking generally has been in decline, Australia's tobacco market generated total revenues of around AU$10 billion in 2009, up from 2008. Health authorities say smoking kills 15,000 Australians each year with social and health costs of around AU$32 billion. BM
