Queenslanders invited to comment on major smoking law reforms

Coinciding with 'World No Tobacco Day' (31st May), and in an important step to strengthen Queensland’s anti-smoking efforts, Queenslanders are being invited to provide their feedback on proposed major smoking law reforms.

Some of the measures being considered as part of Queensland’s smoking law reform includes tougher restrictions on cigarette machines in licenced venues and expanding smoke-free areas; stronger enforcement action on illicit tobacco sale and supply; and the introduction of a licencing scheme for the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes.

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Queensland.

With the smoking rate for people aged 12-17 years being 6.9% and with 16% of Queensland secondary school students having reported that they had used e-cigarettes, the proposed measures include further steps to reduce the chances of young adults taking up smoking or vaping. The reforms target all smoking products including e-cigarettes.

Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said that Queensland had some of the strongest tobacco laws in the world.

Minister D’Ath noted “In the past 20 years, we’ve seen the rate of smoking halve in Queensland, but there is more work to be done.

“We’re listening to small business stakeholders, especially when it comes to stamping out illicit product.

“We want to hear from Queenslanders, including small businesses, and we’ll advance our package of reforms based on the feedback to our Regulatory Impact Statement for introduction into the Queensland Parliament.”

“We would like to see relevant authorities given additional enforcement powers to target the illegal tobacco industry.

“Right now, we know that there are challenges when it comes to coordinating a response to illegal operations across multiple agencies including State and Commonwealth bodies.

“That’s why we’re taking this important step to ensure that illicit operators know that there’s nowhere to hide, and they’ll be caught if they do the wrong thing.

Key proposals include:

• creating a licensing scheme for smoking product retailers and wholesalers

• prohibiting retail workers aged under 18 from selling smoking products

• allowing health authorities to take direct action on illicit tobacco in partnership with other government agencies, and

• moving cigarette vending machines to behind the counter at pubs and clubs.

The reforms also propose banning smoking in carparks provided for school community use, at outdoor markets and under-18 organised recreational events.

They would also prohibit children from entering designated outdoor smoking areas (DOSAs) at licensed venues and prevent people from drinking in DOSAs.

More on “Reducing Smoking in Queensland” can be viewed at getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/8900/view.html

The full "Reducing the negative effects of smoking in Queensland" regulatory impact statement can be viewed at www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/1156460/consultation-regulatory-impact-statement.pdf