Tobacco packaging - Well done Australia

Ireland was one of the first countries to introduce comprehensive legislation to discourage smoking, a fact often related with more than a little — justified — pride by our legislators.

Unfortunately, those measures have not been as successful as might have been hoped.

A tougher attitude was seen in Australia’s highest court yesterday when it sanctioned anti-tobacco marketing laws despite a challenge from global tobacco giants. The decision means cigarette products must be sold in plain green packets without branding. The packages will also carry pretty blunt health warnings.