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More states to introduce smoking bans in cars with children

Written by James Squire

Tuesday, 27 May 2008

The Queensland government has announced it will follow the lead set by South Australia and Tasmania and introduce a new ban on smoking in cars where children are present. New South Wales and Western Australia are considering passing the new law as well and Victorian Premier John Brumby has also announced that his government will investigate the introduction of similar rules.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh announced yesterday that her cabinet had agreed on changes to the existing anti-smoking laws after 89% of respondents to a Queensland Health discussion paper supported such a ban.

$150 on-the-spot fine
From next month onwards anyone smoking in a vehicle in Queensland where one of the passengers is under the age of 16 will be issued with a $150 on-the-spot fine if caught by police. The infringement notices would work in a similar way to the bans on using mobile phones while driving.

Anti-smoking groups in other states are now campaigning to have similar laws introduced. Yesterday, the Cancer Council and the Australian Medical Association called on Western Australian Health Minister Jim McGinty to legislate new rules to stop people potentially harming children with their cigarette smoke in cars.

Mr McGinty welcomed the groups' pleas but wasn’t willing to give any possible date for the submission of draft anti-smoking legislation.

NSW is also considering introducing a $250 fine.

Anti-smoking groups looking for further bans
The Cancer Council is also looking at greater control and bans on smoking in public places. Some of the areas include outdoor eating areas, beaches, parks, sporting arenas including swimming pools, children's playgrounds and bus and train stations.

Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson points out that the death rate from smoking is nearly 10 times the road toll and that any ban introduced should be done nationally so that other jurisdictions are not disadvantaged.

Robertson will be presenting at the next Australian Health Ministers Council in July and plans to propose a number of new policies including a nationwide ban on smoking in casino high-roller rooms.

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