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Summary Australia has criticised the British and American tobacco companies over kangaroo cigarette packets.
Australias government lambasts British and American Tobacco for using the image of a kangaroo on packets of cigarettes sold in Europe.Australias government lambasted British and American Tobacco in Canberra on Friday (January 13), for using the image of a kangaroo on packets of cigarettes sold in Europe, ramping up hostilities ahead of a legal battle over plain-packaging laws.Attorney-General Nicola Roxon, who as health minister led the drive to introduce laws forcing tobacco products to be sold in plain, olive green packs, said the use of the most famous Australian symbol to sell cigarettes was outrageous.The image of a kangaroo, similar to the ones road signs warning of the animals in Australia, with the phrase An Australian Favourite appears on packets of Winfield cigarettes sold in France.BAT, Imperial Tobacco and Philip Morris launched separate High Court challenges against the laws, saying they infringe their trademark rights.The tough, world-first legislation which comes into force this year is being closely watched by governments considering similar regulation in Europe, Canada and New Zealand. Roxon said the kangaroo packaging highlighted why laws mandating plain packaging were important.British American Tobacco Australia said it would not comment on the French kangaroo packaging, which is made by another BAT Group company.Australias tobacco market generated total revenues of about A$10 billion ($10.3 billion USD) in 2009, up from A$8.3 billion ($8.6 billion USD) in 2008, although smoking generally has been in decline.About 22 billion cigarettes are sold in the country each year.
