Posted December 02, 2019 14:17:24 The Federal Government has confirmed it will ban “good stuff” tobacco products, including the brand name tobacco, in an attempt to combat the growing problem of “tobacco-related harm” in Australia.
The announcement comes after a recent national survey found the number of people who smoke was rising.
The tobacco industry is concerned about the ban, with Philip Morris Australia CEO Stephen Gough saying it was “unethical”.
“There is a lot of good stuff tobacco, and it is a matter of choice for the tobacco industry,” he said.
“It is not a bad thing to smoke, and as such it should be enjoyed responsibly.”
Mr Gough said it was also about “fairness” and protecting health and welfare.
The Government said the ban would not affect people who have already bought tobacco products.
“If you are a smoker, we understand that you would like to have some choice in the way you consume your tobacco, but the Government will not be affecting the tobacco business by banning a product,” a spokesman said.
The ban is expected to take effect on January 1, 2020.
It comes after the federal Government introduced legislation last year to introduce a ban on smoking in all public places, such as parks, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
It also includes a “good thing” tobacco product ban, meaning any tobacco products sold in stores will be banned.
The Government’s legislation was passed by Parliament in October, but is now awaiting approval from the Federal Court.
It was also criticised by the tobacco lobby, with the Australian Institute of Pharmaceutical Industries and Research (AIPRI) calling it “unjustified”. AAP/ABC