Victoria bans smoking at sporting venues, playgrounds, skate parks and pools

Following similar legislation in other States, legislation amending Victoria's Tobacco Act to ban smoking at children's playgrounds and other public spaces has passed through the Victorian Parliament.

As a result, from 1st April 2014, smoking will be banned within a 10-metre radius of outdoor children's playground equipment and skate parks and also extends to public swimming pools, playgrounds and outdoor sporting venues during organised underage events.

Victoria's legislation will also see it become the first jurisdiction to ban smoking at outdoor skate parks.

Victorian Health Minister David Davis explained "smoking will now be banned at thousands of venues and locations across our state where children congregate and enjoy health outdoor activities.

"We will undertake an extensive public awareness and community education campaign and make no smoking signs available for local councils to install."

Minister Davis says approximately 4,000 people die in Victoria each year from smoking and the annual costs in health and productivity are as high as $2.4 billion.

30th July 2013 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL APPROVES NEW SMOKE-FREE POLICY 

21st February 2012 - NSW TO BAN SMOKING AT PLAYGROUNDS, SPORTS GROUNDS AND SWIMMING POOLS

10th February 2013 - VICTORIAN PLANS FOR SMOKING BANS AT SPORTING VENUES, PLAYGROUNDS AND SKATE PARKS

29th May 2010 - SMOKING BAN AT AUCKLAND ZOO