Australia mandates health warnings on individual cigarettes

Australia is implementing new rules that will change cigarettes forever. Starting in April, smokers will find health warnings printed on each cigarette filter. Some of the phrases include "poison in every puff" and "toxic addiction." These changes aim to educate and discourage smoking. Health Minister Mark Butler announced that Australia is among the first countries to introduce this public health measure. The new rules also ban attractive features in tobacco products, such as menthol. Packaging will get updated graphic warnings and standardized sizes. Plus, new health promotion materials will be included in cigarette packs to help people quit smoking. Cigarette prices in Australia are very high due to heavy taxes, with a standard 20-pack costing over $50. Nearly 70% of that price goes to the government in excise tax. However, this has led many smokers to turn to illegal cigarettes, which are cheaper. The government estimates that about one in five cigarettes smoked comes from the black market. Some Australians believe that higher taxes and warnings have not worked, as many are buying cheaper, illegal alternatives. One person said it’s easy to find knock-off cigarettes sold at lower prices. Despite the criticism, some people support the new cigarette regulations and want similar measures for alcohol and fast food. The government's efforts to curb smoking face challenges with the rising black market, but the initiative marks a significant shift in how smoking is viewed in Australia.