Australian National Preventative Agency (ANPHA)

Researchers

Professor Andrew Mitchell
Associate Professor Tania Voon
Mr Jonathan Liberman (Cancer Council Victoria)

Project Title

A Collaborative Model for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Coherence Between Regulation on Risk Factors and International Law

Project Summary

Reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases) by addressing the key risk factors of tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy diet is a critical challenge for Australian health policy. As Australia and other countries develop regulatory measures to combat the key risk factors, they are likely to face legal challenges under international trade and investment law from affected industries such as the tobacco industry, which have the potential to undermine public health initiatives. Through in-depth examination of relevant case law, statutes, regulations, treaties, international 'soft' law, and secondary literature, the project aims to clarify the role of international trade and investment law in this phenomenon to support the development of more effective and robust regulatory strategies for combating NCD risk factors.

Duration

2012-2015