The Palaszczuk Government has this week passed the strongest anti-smoking laws in Queensland’s history, reducing areas where smokers can light up and restricting tobacco sales.
Childcare centres, organised children’s sporting events and aged care facilities are among a host of areas that will become off limits to smokers under the new laws when they come into effect on September 1 this year.
Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch welcomed passage of the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Smoke-free Places) Amendment Bill 2015, which passed through State Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
“These laws spell a major win for the people of Algester by supporting people in our community who want to stop smoking and protecting the rest of us who choose not to smoke, particularly the young and old in our community,” she said.
The new laws will:
Ms Enoch said the new laws meant local parents and children would now be protected from passive smoking in and around areas they congregate and elderly family and friends could also enjoy safer living spaces.
“The most vulnerable people in Algester can now look forward to spending time in smoke-free environments, which will lead to a healthier future not only for the next generation in Algester, but for the whole local community,” she said.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said more than 3700 Queenslanders were dying each year as a result of smoking, and further strengthening tobacco laws aimed to curb these numbers.
“Queensland already leads the nation in laws to cut the harm caused by tobacco, and our new laws will ensure we stay in front,” he said.
Anyone wanting to quit smoking can call Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848).