The Palaszczuk Government has this week passed the strongest anti-smoking laws in Queensland’s history, reducing areas where smokers can light up and restricting tobacco sales.
Childcare centres, organised children’s sporting events and aged care facilities are among a host of areas that will become off limits to smokers under the new laws when they come into effect on 1 September this year.
State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, welcomed passage of the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Smoke-free Places) Amendment Bill 2015, which passed through State Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
“The new laws mean more smoke-free environments, which will lead to a healthier future for our entire community,” Mr Ryan said.
The new laws will:
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Ban smoking at or near children’s organised sporting events and skate parks;
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Ban smoking in and around approved early childhood education and care services, including kindergartens and places offering after school hours care;
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Ban smoking at all residential aged care facilities outside of designated areas;
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Increase the smoke-free buffer at all Government, commercial and non-residential building entrances from four to five metres;
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Ban smoking at pedestrian precincts around prescribed State Government buildings;
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Ban smoking at specified national parks or parts of national parks, and at public swimming pools;
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Ban smoking at all outdoor pedestrian malls and public transport waiting points;
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Empower local government to ban smoking in any other public space;
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Ban the sale of tobacco products from pop-up retail outlets, such as at music festivals.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said more than 3,700 Queenslanders were dying each year as a result of smoking, and further strengthening tobacco laws aimed to curb these numbers.
“Queensland already leads the nation in laws to cut the harm caused by tobacco, and our new laws will ensure we stay in front,” Mr Dick said.
Anyone wanting to quit smoking can call Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848).
