Civic Group

The Civic Group is the Melbourne area-based Australian public relations hired by Philip Morris to operate a front group called the Alliance of Australian Retailers organized to fight a plain cigarette packaging rule in that country. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, "the mastermind behind the campaign is Chris Argent, the director of corporate affairs at the tobacco giant Philip Morris."

The Civic Group is a registered lobbyist in Australia. The owner of the company is Marco Gattino, and Llewellyn Rees is a Director

The group is privately held, and has about 10 employees.

Sourcewatch resources

 * Tobacco industry public relations strategies
 * Front groups
 * Third party technique
 * Public relations
 * Tobacco industry
 * Philip Morris

Contact
The Civic Group Level 5, 379 Collins Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia Phone: 03 9620 9300 Fax: 03 9620 9500