Study finds Australia's tobacco plain packaging has not reduced smoking

The removal of all branding and promotions from tobacco products, known as ‘plain packaging’, is intended to decrease tobacco consumption. The research examined the effectiveness of Australia’s plain packaging law, which coincided with a change in graphic and text health warnings, by using nationally indicative data 5 years post-implementation. But many academics and experts disagree.

A supplied undated image shows cigarettes with indivudally printed warning labels. Source: AAP Image/Supplied by Dr Aaron Drovandi

Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand smokes an electric cigarette during the World Cup of Golf at Kingston Heath Golf in Melbourne in 2019. Source: Getty Images: Quinn Rooney