Queensland leads the world with historic smoking laws

The toughest smoke free laws of any jurisdiction in the world will take effect in Queensland today, protecting the community from second-hand smoke and urging existing smokers to quit.

Smoking is now banned at public transport waiting points, pedestrian malls, aged-care facilities, specified national parks and at or near children’s organised sporting events and skate parks in Queensland.

Media are invited for filming, photographs and interview opportunities:
What: Queensland leads the world with historic smoking laws
Where: CCQ Head Office: 553 Gregory Tce, Fortitude Valley
When: Thursday 1 September, 10:30am
Who: Cancer Council Queensland CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO

Cancer Council Queensland CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO welcomed the commencement of the new laws.

“These laws position Queensland as a global leader in tobacco control,” Prof Dunn said.

“This is a step the community can be proud of – smoke free laws save lives.

“Two out of every three smokers will die from their habit. These new smoking bans will discourage our next generation from taking up smoking, and nudge many more smokers to quit for good.

“Around one Queenslander a day tragically dies from second-hand smoke exposure – having never smoked a cigarette in their life.

“The time to act is now – we applaud the Queensland Government for its leadership on creating a smoke free future for all Queenslanders.

“Today is a breath of fresh air for Queensland. Support for smoke free spaces is higher than ever, and these laws answer the call of our community for a healthier state.”

Smokers will now also be required to butt out at popular visitor areas such as picnic, barbecue sites and camping grounds in National Parks from February 1, 2017.

Around 12 per cent of Queensland adults smoke daily – 50,000 fewer people than in 2014. Research shows the majority of smokers want to quit.

Around 3700 Queenslanders die from a tobacco-related disease each year. About 370 of these deaths are caused by second-hand smoke exposure.

Smokers can obtain free information, practical assistance and support from Quitline, 13 QUIT (13 7848).

More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council’s 13 11 20.

Background
The amendments to the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 were passed on 23 February 2016 and come into effect on 1 September 2016. The new tobacco laws will:

• Ban smoking at or near underage organised sporting events and skate parks
• Ban smoking in and around approved early childhood education and care facilities, including kindergartens and places offering after school hour care
• Ban smoking at all residential aged care facilities outside of nominated outdoor smoking places
• Increase the smoke-free buffer at all government, commercial and non residential building entrances from four to five metres
• Ban smoking at pedestrian precincts around prescribed State Government buildings, such as 1 William Street
• Ban smoking at prescribed national parks or parts of parks
• Ban smoking at public swimming pools
• Ban smoking at all outdoor pedestrian malls and public transport waiting points
• Empower local government to ban smoking in any other public space, including on any street or park
• Ban the sale of tobacco products from temporary retail outlets, such as at music festivals.
• The laws also include electronic cigarettes as they are classified as smoking products.

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