New cigarette packaging hailed

A study into the impact of the so-called plain packaging of cigarettes has shown an increase in the number of calls to quit smoking services.

In 2006 graphic images of the impacts of smoking were placed on cigarette boxes to act as a deterrant.

But the Cancer Institute of New South Wales' study found that since plain packaging legislation was introduced in 2012, calls to the national Quitline support service increased by 78 per cent.

Mayanne Lafontaine is the Program Manager of tobacco control at the Institute.

She told Naomi Selvaratnam that she believes plain packaging has had a positive impact on reducing smoking.