Hi TIS Teams! This month, I’m excited to share a new paper written by a group of Indigenous academics and allies from Australia, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Turtle Island (United States of America). This important paper calls out how the tobacco industry uses dirty tactics to mislead the public, protect its profits, and interfere with public health action. By using terms like “harm reduction” and vague promises of a “smoke-free” future the industry tries to make its products seem safer than they really are. These tactics are designed to confuse people, create doubt, and undermine the work of public health programs like TIS. They do this by trying to look like part of the solution by changing what “smoke- free” means. But the products they’re pushing instead of commercial cigarettes are still highly addictive – and addiction itself causes harm.

Take Home Message for TIS Teams
Big tobacco uses dirty tactics and misdirection to keep people addicted. They promote products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches using words like “harm reduction” and talk about a “smoke-free future”, but their goal isn’t to help people quit. It’s to protect profits and keep people hooked, especially in communities already harmed by tobacco. When the industry talks about “harm reduction” this isn’t care – it’s control. We need to push back and call out this dishonest behaviour.

This paper is a strong reminder of the power of the TIS program. TIS teams can lead the way by:

• Calling out industry tactics: speak up about misleading marketing, especially when it targets Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Truth telling: products like e-cigarettes still cause harm and are not risk-free
• Advocate for change: meet with local MPs, councils, or health leaders to push for change that protects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to good health
• Lead the resistance: empower local voices, especially Elders and young people to speak out about quitting, stand strong against the tobacco industry’s colonial tactics, and help drive momentum towards the Endgame
• Monitor local trends: be the eyes and ears on the ground to track what products are being used, how they’re marketed, and where support is needed most.

Click on the thumbnail to the right to read Connie’s full update or here to read the full paper.

For more of Connie the Clever Cockie’s updates, visit the Tobacco Control News page.