Page 4777 - Week 11 - Thursday, 20 October 2011

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that the non-payment of this fine should not result in people automatically losing their licences or car registrations. We believe an on-the-spot fine is an appropriate measure in these circumstances.

Additionally, given that we are an island in the middle of New South Wales, it is important that our fines are comparable with that jurisdiction. This ensures that people crossing the border have a realistic chance of knowing the impact of their decision. It is my understanding that the fine imposed by this bill is comparable to that in New South Wales.

As foreshadowed, the Canberra Liberals will be supporting this bill. However, it is important to be aware that this legislation is just one tool that we can use in addressing the prevalence of smoking, and engaging legislation may not always be the best measure to address such a widespread problem.

MS BRESNAN (Brindabella) (4.19): The Greens will be supporting the government’s Smoking in Cars with Children (Prohibition) Bill and are pleased to see the ACT take another progressive step to combat smoking. It is good today to see tripartisan support for this initiative. It is also good to see the ACT government take steps to pursue the rights of children and young people to live in a healthy environment.

In responding to today’s bill I would like to highlight the work done by the commissioner for children and young people by consulting with children and young people about the proposed legislation. While the Canberra Liberals have questioned at times the importance of consulting with children and young people, the Greens believe children should have a voice and be consulted about issues that affect them.

When the commissioner surveyed children and young people, asking them if they would be happy to sit in a car with someone who was smoking, 75 per cent said no and 70 per cent said it should be banned. Children understood the health and environmental impacts of smoking and proposed good reasons as to why a ban should occur.

The impact of second-hand smoke on children in a car should not be underestimated. The US Surgeon General stated several years ago that second-hand smoke is dangerous and no level of second-hand smoke exposure should be considered risk free. Scientific studies have shown that infants who are exposed to second-hand smoke after birth are at a greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome and children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to develop severe lung infections such as pneumonia, ear infections and asthma.

Smoking simulation studies have shown that second-hand smoke in a car can have much higher concentrations than second-hand smoke in a house. A UK report found that the particle concentrations of tobacco smoke in a car could be 27 times higher than in a smoker’s home and 20 times higher than they used to be in some bars.

Recent studies have also shown that exposure of children in cars to second-hand smoke may be linked with nicotine dependence. Most smokers start at a young age


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