Australia finally wins its $40 million plain packaging battle against Big Tobacco
A historic moment for public health, the challenges to the plain packaging laws took nearly a decade to resolve
After almost a decade of courtroom battles, Australia has fended off what might be the final legal challenge against its landmark tobacco plain packaging laws.
On Wednesday the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruled that the laws complied with international trade rules, rejecting a complaint by tobacco-growing nations.
In a campaign spearheaded by former Federal health minister Nicola Roxon, the laws meant cigarette packets had to be covered in health warnings with brand names printed in a fixed font and size.
Logos were also banned and the packaging had to be a drab olive green, known as Pantone 448 C, a decision based on government research showing it was the least attractive colour to young smokers.
