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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Vic supports plain cigarette packs

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott may not support plain-packaged cigarettes as the tobacco industry threatens to slash the cost of cigarettes if the Gillard government pushes ahead with the anti-smoking legislation.

Mr Abbott, who is yet to back the government's proposal, says he is happy to support any policy that has been proven to curb smoking rates.
"But my anxiety with this [plain packaging proposal] is that it may end up being counterproductive in practice," he told reporters today.

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Health campaigners and Health Minister Nicola Roxon have branded the tobacco industry's threat to cut the cost of cigarettes if plain packaging is introduced as a stunt.

Mr Davis told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday.

When asked if the government supported plain-packaged cigarettes, he replied "yes".

However, Mr Davis avoided answering questions about whether the state Liberal party would continue to accept donations from tobacco companies.

He said those questions would need to be directed to the Liberal party.

Mr Abbott has said he's happy to support any policy that has been proven to curb smoking rates but stopped short of supporting the government's proposal.

"My anxiety with this (plain packaging proposal) is that it may end up being counterproductive in practice," he told reporters in Geelong.

The NSW coalition government earlier this month also announced its support for plain cigarette packaging.

The tobacco industry has launched a campaign attacking the government's plan to introduce plain "drab green" packaging for cigarettes, claiming the move will drive down prices in the face of increased competition with blackmarket imports.

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