The Opposition’s Bill to ban smoking in pedestrian malls, taxi ranks, bus stops, skate parks, public pools and outside government buildings across Queensland is set to be debated in the near future by Parliament.
Shadow Health Minister Mark McArdle said he urged the Palaszczuk Government and Katter’s Australian Party to support the new laws intended to save lives.
“The bill is about helping smokers give up, ensuring young people don’t take it up and protecting those who live or work in a smoking environment,” Mr McArdle said.
“When the LNP was in government we introduced some of the toughest anti-smoking laws, including a ban on smoking on or within five metres of health facilities and school grounds.
“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.
“The LNP is determined to do everything in its power to ensure Queensland is the best state in Australia to live, work and raise a family.”
Mr McArdle said smoking killed 3,700 Queenslanders each year and one in 10 of those people had never smoked in their lives.
“Last year we introduced these changes to the Tobacco Act and these changes received the full support of a bipartisan Parliamentary Committee,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing this bill receive the full support of the Parliament and be successfully passed.
“The bill is there to save Queenslanders’ lives and to ensure we get a better, safer and healthier outcome for all.”
