The Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson is spot-on with his plans to extend smoking bans in Queensland.A tough, anti-smoking regime promotes good health, a better environment for non-smokers and a safer workplace for staff.
The current restrictions need to be seriously extended to ensure that people are not subjected to smoke being blown in their faces every time they venture out in public.
It does not make sense that smoking is banned at Suncorp Stadium while smokers are allowed to puff away at the Brisbane Exhibition, along the rides in Sideshow Alley, at the woodchop, the main arena and the crowded laneways of the famous Ekka.
So much for the RNA promoting a safe environment for families to enjoy this annual event!
At the same time, the Minister should outlaw smoking at places such as the Brisbane Weekend Markets at Rocklea where people puff away to their hearts' content, up and down the aisles of this crowded venue. Along with the clowns who regularly turn up with their dogs to flea markets, this makes an enjoyable experience turn into a smoke filled den covered in dog poop, ensuring that it is even more-memorable.
Extending the smoking ban to parks, malls, bus stops, ferry terminals and even telephone booths would be a major step forward by the Queensland Government.
The 4 metre ban from the entrances to buildings should be extended to 10 metres and smoking outside child care centres, schools and other similar places should be totally outlawed.
While the Act is under review, smoking should be banned in all vehicles, not just those containing young children. How often do you see a driver fumbling to light a cigarette or tossing butts out the window?
If you cannot smoke in a pub, why is it still allowed in cars?
If it illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, it doesn't make sense that smoking is still permitted in cars.
Stephen Robertson is on the right track to make Queensland a world leader in anti-smoking reform.
