New smoking bans on cards for Qld

13 July 2015
Sky News
The LNP has proposed new bans in Queensland that aim to prevent youths from taking up smoking.
Queenslanders could soon be banned from smoking within five metres of public transport stops, swimming pools, skate parks and government buildings.
The LNP has proposed new laws that aim to prevent young people from lighting up and help existing smokers to kick the habit.
Opposition health spokesman Mark McArdle will introduce the private member’s bill, which also calls for a ban on cigarettes being sold at ‘pop-up’ shops, in parliament this week.
‘With half of all long-term smokers dying prematurely, we should be doing more to discourage first-time smokers from lighting up,’ Mr McArdle said.
Mr McArdle said the proposed changes to the Tobacco Act included a ban on smoking within five metres of entrances to Queensland government buildings including parliament, courts, public service bodies and government departments.
‘By extending these bans to include public transport waiting points and pedestrian malls, we would provide a consistent and enforceable message about passive smoking as well,’ he said.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift urged the government to provide bipartisan support for the proposed changes.
‘Children and young people will benefit significantly, with discouragement of generational smoking and reduced exposure to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke,’ Ms Clift said.
AAP
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