Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is running a major campaign to convince Australian smokers that they should not try to quit without taking anti-smoking medication, writes Simon Chapman.
Tobacco industry
Taxing fags an unhealthy obsession
Is more taxation the solution to Australia’s “health crisis” — if there even is a health crisis? asks Sinclair Davidson. The medical profession may get more money, but there’s no reason to believe it will solve the smoking or alcohol crisis.
Big Tobacco sues to keep ciggie packets smoker-friendly
In Australia, graphic anti-smoking photos on cigarette packets are now the norm. President Obama has signed a law for similar requirements in the US. But the tobacco industry is fighting back — with the first amendment.
Health insurers have $4.5bn invested in Big Tobacco
Harvard doctors investigated the stock interests of health and life insurance companies, and found they have nearly $4.5 billion invested in tobacco stocks.
Surgery is not the solution to obesity epidemic
The House of Reps committee wimped out on making a strong call to action for some bold obesity prevention policies — like tougher regulation of food formulation and a ban on junk food advertising to kids, writes Melissa Sweet.
Why increasing tobacco taxes is good for the poor
Research shows the poor and the young are responsive to increases in cigarette prices, says Simon Chapman — when cigs go up, they smoke less and are more likely to quit.
How Big Food is copying Big Tobacco
Researchers say the US food industry is employing the same legal, political and business strategies previously utilised by Big Tobacco, and the health consequences could be dire.
Liberals’ lucrative love affair with big tobacco
The NSW Liberal Party continues to accept donations from tobacco companies despite both Malcolm Turnbull and Joe Hockey urging people to quit smoking, writes Bernard Keane.
Mission Australia under fire for tobacco links
Mission Australia’s concerns about young people and drugs are no doubt genuine, but would be much more credible if they were not themselves associated with leading drug-peddlers, writes Mike Daube.
Is Qantas giving big tobacco the executive treatment?
Is Qantas’ recent executive appointment linked to the airline’s decision to sell ciagarettes duty-free on flights? Glenn Dyer poses the question.
Breast cancer bad. Lung cancer OK?
Among the 14,000 strong army of women and men raising money and awareness for breast cancer at the Swans-St Kilda match on Saturday night was fashionista Carla Zampatti. This was not the first time that Zampatti’s thoughts would have turned to cancer, writes Professor Simon Chapman.
