September 1, 2016
Tough new anti-smoking laws have come into force in Queensland.
From September 1, smoking has been banned at bus stops, taxi ranks, ferry terminals or any public transport waiting point.
Smoking has also been banned at all under-18 organised sporting events, skate parks, at and around early childhood education and care facilities, and at public swimming pool complexes.
Health Minister Cameron Dick said the laws were designed to protect all Queenslanders from harmful secondhand smoke, to further encourage smokers to quit and to discourage young people from starting to smoke.
“We’ve gone from 30 per cent of adults smoking daily to 12 per cent in 15 years, and encouragingly, the number of teenagers smoking has dropped from 24 per cent to 6 per cent over the same period, so the message is getting through,” Mr Dick said.
From February 1 next year, smoking will be banned at picnic and barbecue sites and camping ground areas in National Parks.
The ban will also apply to pedestrian precincts around prescribed State Government-owned or occupied buildings.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Prof Jeff Dunn AO commended the State Government for introducing the laws.
“These laws will save lives and lay the foundation for a smoke-free future,” he said.
