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Doctors call for extension of smoking ban
The Baillieu government should follow Monash City Council’s lead in protecting the health of Victorians and ban smoking in communal spaces, AMA Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley said today.
Last week Monash City Council voted to ban smoking in many communal spaces including swimming pools, sporting grounds, council lands and at council sponsored events. The ban will commence on October 1, 2011.
“The effects of second hand smoke are well known," Dr Hemley said. “Cigarette smoke can cause eye and nose irritation and in the longer term can lead to heart disease and lung cancer as well as exacerbate asthma in children and adults.
“Those who choose to take a stroll in a park, watch a sporting game or swim in a public pool should not be subjected to second hand smoke.
“Bans on smoking in communal spaces strengthen the message to the community that smoking is no longer viewed as normal.”
“We encourage other councils to introduce bans on smoking in communal spaces,” said Dr Hemley. “Monash City Council has demonstrated its commitment to improving the health of its locals.”
“Monash City Council also voted to write to Premier Baillieu to request a statewide ban on smoking in alfresco dining areas,” said Dr Hemley.
Last year AMA Victoria called for a ban on smoking in alfresco dining areas and other communal spaces.
“Victoria’s anti-tobacco measures are falling behind other states,” said Dr Hemley. Queensland and Western Australia have already banned smoking in alfresco dining areas.
Dr Hemley said smoking was still the largest preventable cause of death and disease in Australia.
“Bans on smoking in communal areas reduce the harms of second hand smoke and the number of individuals smoking.”
Victorian Medical Directory
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