Turia boosted by Australian tobacco ruling

The Australian government hopes the new packs will make smoking as unglamorous as possible. Photo / Thinkstock

Associate Minister of Health Tariana Turia says a decision by Australia's High Court to allow plain packaging of tobacco has given her extra confidence that any challenges to it in New Zealand will not succeed.

The Australian High Court has upheld the Government's right to require plain packaging of tobacco products against a challenge by tobacco companies that it would destroy trademarks.

Ms Turia said New Zealand's laws were different to those in Australia but the Australian Court had sent a strong message that governments did have the right to develop legislation in their own territories.

"This isn't only a win for the Australian Government."

Ms Turia started a consultation process over plain packaging of tobacco earlier this year and tobacco companies here have also warned such a step could result in legal action.