Page 3695 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 21 November 2006
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MS GALLAGHER: I thank Ms MacDonald for her question and for her significant interest in all things related to tobacco control. It is a longstanding interest.
The ACT has always been at the forefront of tobacco reform. In 1994, the Follett government introduced landmark legislation to ban smoking in many enclosed public places. Since then, other jurisdictions, nationally and internationally, have followed our lead to ensure non-smokers are not exposed to passive smoke. Smoke-free environments encourage and assist smokers to make that decision to quit.
Right across the world, New York, Dublin, Quebec and the countries of New Zealand, Norway and Scotland are just a few examples of international communities that have recognised the need for clean, smoke-free air in our enclosed public places. I read with interest recently that England will shortly follow suit, with even the usually smoke-filled pubs of London soon to be smoke free.
Here in the ACT, 10 years on, we continue to take steps to keep our air clean and tackle the issue of smoking amongst our young people. The Smoking (Prohibition in Enclosed Public Places) Act 2003 continued Labor’s commitment to reduce passive smoking. On 1 December this year, that legislation will ensure that it is prohibited for a person to smoke in any enclosed public place such as a restaurant, pub or nightclub.
The purpose of the smoke-free laws is to avoid exposing people to tobacco smoke in public places where the building is not sufficiently open to allow natural ventilation. There has been strong community support for the change from partially smoke-free areas, which currently exist, to entirely non-smoking public places. We have sought to strike a balance with this legislation. Smoking may still occur in outdoor, unenclosed areas and in public places that are less than 75 per cent surrounded by cover.
To ensure both business and the general public are aware of the cleaner, healthier, smoke-free Canberra, the Health Protection Service has developed a campaign that includes television, radio and print advertisements. Members may have also seen ACTION buses prominently displaying the message about the introduction of the new smoke-free legislation. The advertising campaign commenced on 15 June 2006, with radio and TV ads, followed by the bus ads. From now until mid-December, these will increase in frequency, followed by a general information campaign that will be running until mid-January 2007.
The Health Protection Service have also been working with businesses to help them to understand and implement the new smoke-free legislation. Public health officers have been visiting premises to provide information and guide businesses on how to comply with the new laws and will continue to do so in the lead-up to 1 December 2006. Information fact sheets and flyers have been developed and distributed to business. Template coasters and posters have also been provided.
The message has been getting out. The Tradesmen’s Club is running TV advertisements about smoke-free and their new facilities to accommodate smokers at their premises. The Labor Club has information on its website and was proactive in seeking advice about smoke-free requirements. Mix 106 has advertised that it will host a smokers and singles
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