Coalition accused of secretly giving big tobacco lobbyists private platform in parliament
Summary
Anti-smoking groups have criticized the Australian government coalition for allowing tobacco company representatives to speak privately to a Senate inquiry about illegal tobacco trading. Health experts say this goes against global rules designed to protect health policies from tobacco industry influence and could hurt public health efforts.Key Facts
- Tobacco company Philip Morris gave private, closed-door evidence to an Australian Senate inquiry on illegal tobacco trade.
- The inquiry was chaired by South Australian Liberal senator Leah Blyth.
- Other witnesses included anti-smoking campaigners, health groups, and Australian Border Force officials.
- Labor, the Greens, and the Australian Council on Smoking and Health raised concerns about private hearings with tobacco executives.
- Australia is part of a World Health Organization agreement that requires protecting health policies from tobacco industry interference.
- Health Minister Mark Butler warned the committee not to invite tobacco representatives due to this obligation.
- Public health experts say tobacco industry participation compromises the inquiry because the industry profits from harmful products.
- It has been 16 years since tobacco companies last had a platform in the Australian federal parliament.
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