Australia has taken a significant step in public health by becoming the second nation globally, after Canada, to print explicit health warnings on every individual cigarette. This initiative is part of a broader set of legislation aimed at curbing smoking and vaping, which officially comes into effect today.
Supported by organisations such as the Cancer Council and Quit, these warnings are designed to convey the dangers of smoking in an unavoidable manner. Phrases like “CAUSES 16 CANCERS,” “DAMAGES YOUR LUNGS,” and “DAMAGES DNA” will appear on individual cigarettes, enhancing the existing health messages. In addition to these warnings, cigarette packaging will showcase graphic imagery covering up to 90% of the packet, further emphasizing the risks associated with smoking.
As a complementary measure, new informational leaflets will be included inside cigarette packs to assist smokers in their efforts to quit, alongside a gradual ban on menthol cigarettes that also commences today.
The legislation was announced last year and will officially take effect on April 1, 2025. The government’s objective is to create impactful health messages and materials intended to aid smokers in quitting by highlighting the serious health risks of tobacco use. They claim the effectiveness of these materials has been rigorously assessed to ensure they resonate with the public.
Experts in the field back the move, stating that graphic health warnings have consistently proven effective in raising awareness of smoking-related harms, deterring new smokers, and prompting existing smokers to seek cessation. Professor Sarah Durkin from the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer highlighted that while current warnings have been beneficial, their impact has diminished over time, necessitating the need for updated information regarding the health effects of tobacco.
The new warnings draw attention to lesser-known risks, such as diabetes, erectile dysfunction, cervical cancer, and the detrimental effects of second-hand smoke on children’s lung health. Rachael Andersen, Director of Quit, expressed hope that these changes will not only inform smokers but also motivate them to quit.
Alecia Brooks, Chair of the Cancer Council’s Tobacco Issues Committee, echoed this sentiment, stating that Australia’s progressive measures are a proud commitment to reducing smoking-related harm. Despite Australia’s low smoking prevalence, the issue remains a top public health priority, with smoking still causing approximately 66 deaths daily. The efforts to mitigate the health impacts of tobacco use will persist as the nation aims to combat this pressing issue.