Funding from the Tobacco Industry

Guidelines for the receipt of funding from companies involved with the tobacco industry

The University of Western Australia's policy on tobacco industry sponsorship was determined by the Senate on 25 April 1994. Senate resolved (R91/94) that the Vice-Chancellor should approve guidelines that disassociate the University and any of its activities from the tobacco industry and ensure that direct funding from the tobacco industry or associated bodies is not accepted or administered by the University, whilst allowing an element of discretion to account for the diversification of many companies involved in the tobacco industry.

The following guidelines have been adopted by the Vice-Chancellor as a consequence of the Senate's decision:

1. Direct funding from the Australian Tobacco Research Foundation, the Rothmans Foundation and the Tobacco R&D Council will not be accepted for any purpose.
2. Direct funding from business units of companies involved in the tobacco industry will not be accepted if, in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor,

   (i) the unit is engaged directly in the production, manufacture, distribution, promotion or marketing of tobacco or tobacco products as its primary business; or

   (ii) acceptance of the funding involves any promotion or advertising that can be construed to support the tobacco industry or the tobacco lobby and its activities.

3. Acceptance of funding from business units of companies involved in the tobacco industry will be possible if, in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor,

   (i) the primary business of the donor unit is unrelated to the tobacco industry; and

   (ii) acceptance of the funding cannot be construed to support the tobacco industry or the tobacco lobby and its activities.