February 2023

City of Vincent launched their Fresh Air Smoke Free Town Centres Initiative as part of their Public Health Plan in November last year. We commend them for spearheading the way and hope other local governments will be inspired to prioritise tobacco control and expand smoke-free public places for the benefit of their communities.

10 years of tobacco plain packaging- where to now?

Australia celebrated 10 years of tobacco plain packaging laws on 1 December 2022. In light of this, Hon. Mark Butler announced 11 proposed measures to reignite Australia's tobacco reform agenda including:

• Consolidating Australia’s patchwork tobacco legislation
• Updating and improving health warnings on cigarette packs and individual cigarettes
• New requirements for pack and pouch sizes to make roll-your-own tobacco less affordable and appealing, particularly to young people
• Closing current loopholes that have allowed the tobacco industry to promote and market their products
• Requiring greater transparency from tobacco companies about sales volumes and pricing, product ingredients and emissions along with their advertising, promotion and sponsorship activities.

E-cigarettes and oral health

A cross sectional study of Tufts Dental Clinic’s patient records (N=13,098, between 2019-2021) found that e-cigarette use increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay. This study adds to previous research that also suggests a link between tooth decay and e-cigarette use.

Prof. Tom Calma (AO FAA FASSA) for receiving the Senior Australian of the Year 2023 award. The Citation for his award said: "Respected for his inspirational and inclusive advocacy for human rights and social justice, [Prof.] Tom Calma has dedicated his life to improving the lives of all Australians and particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. For the past four decades he has championed the importance of empowerment - a passion that runs through his work in education, training, employment, health, justice reinvestment and development."  

Prof. Calma was instrumental in establishing the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples; has led the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program; co-chaired Reconciliation Australia for over a decade; and co-led the co-design of a Voice to Parliament initiative.