TPPA Tobacco Carve-out Good News for New Zealand Health

Last night’s announcement of the conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) negotiations included a major victory for public health – built in protections to prevent tobacco companies from taking legal action against governments over anti-tobacco policies.

“While a full exemption for tobacco would have been preferred, this is definitely good news for New Zealand and a step in the right direction,” said ASH New Zealand Director Stephanie Erick.

The removal of tobacco companies from investor-state dispute settlement provisions means the New Zealand Government should have little to fear in passing the Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill.

As the Government has previously stated it would wait for Australian court case outcomes, this provision means the plain packaging bill should be passed and introduced quickly.

Deputy leader of the Labour party, Annette King, was quoted in the New Zealand Herald saying the bill should be able to be passed by Christmas.

ENDS

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