Australia launches world-first plain cigarette pack laws

Sydney, July 7 — Australia introduced world-first plain packaging laws for cigarettes into parliament Wednesday, vowing not to bow to big tobacco’s “intimidation tactics” and legal threats.
Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the laws, which will have to be debated by MPs before being passed, would see Australia become the first country to go down this path. “Introducing this legislation today I think shows that the big tobacco’s intimidation tactics have not worked. Our government won’t be deterred from taking this action,” Roxon told reporters. “And we believe that we are on very strong ground — although this is a world first, taking this action — and are determined to proceed with it.”

–Agencies