Suck on that Big Tobacco

SUCK ON THAT BIG TOBACCO!

Paul O’Halloran MP
Greens Health Spokesperson
Wednesday, 15 August 2012

The Tasmanian Greens today described the High Court’s decision to dismiss a challenge to cigarette plain packaging laws as a landmark win for public health, and a welcome defeat for big tobacco and their Liberal Party bedfellows.

Greens Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran said the court challenge was an irresponsible attack by corporate vested interests on an important public health measure.

“This court challenge was an appalling and irresponsible attack by big tobacco against a vital health reform aimed at reducing the appeal of cigarettes to younger people,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“It is a big win for public health that’s attracting international interest, because what it’s done is put these unscrupulous and heartless tobacco companies back in their olive-coloured box.”

“It will be interesting to see how the Liberal Party responds to this decision, given that they still accept massive amounts of money from the likes of Phillip Morris and British American Tobacco.”

“It’s appalling that Jeremy Rockliff can preach about the need to fix the health system, while his Liberal Party is accepting huge sums of money from companies responsible for so much sickness and death.”

“Tobacco companies have proven themselves to be manipulative in their attempts to influence governments to further their own economic interests, and sadly the Liberals are still happy to go along with the charade.”

“The best way to end big tobacco’s influence in politics is to prevent all political parties and individuals from accepting any money from these corporations.”

“The Greens welcome Labor’s support for this position and we look forward to seeing legislation introduced into the State Parliament to ban political donations from tobacco companies, as promised by the Attorney General Brian Wightman,” Mr O’Halloran said.