Australia is closely watched by other countries in the Asia-Pacific as to how it will implement a very tough anti-smoking law that seeks to discourage the habit and promote a more healthy lifestyle.

Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said the new law would force local cigarette firms to use unappealing packaging, among other requirements that would decrease marketing capabilities of the cigarette manunfacturer.

"This plain packaging legislation is a world first and sends a clear message that the glamour is gone. Cigarette packs will now only show the death and disease that can come from smoking," Roxon told reporters.

She cited that smoking-related illnesses kill more than 15,000 Australians each year and that smoking is the largest preventable cause of disease and death. The cigarette manufacturing industry earned close to $10 billion in 2009, records showed.

The administration Labour Party, however, needs the backing of the conservative opposition and that of the Greens Party lawmakers to implement the legislation.

British American Tobacco Australia (BATA) said the government's plans would infringe international trademark and intellectual property laws. BATA brands include Winfield, Dunhill and Benson & Hedges,

"The government could end up wasting millions of taxpayers' dollars in legal fees trying to defend their decision, let alone the potential to pay billions to the tobacco industry for taking away our intellectual property ," BATA spokesman Scott McIntyre said in a statement.