National MP David Carter today dismissed the Government's proposed legislation to prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants as just another gross double standard.

"I find it ironic that, on one hand, the Minister of Health promotes an anti-smoking policy, that includes bars and restaurants but not casinos and clubs, while on the other, campaigns for the liberalisation of cannabis," David Carter said.

"But maybe we shouldn't be too surprised because this is a theme that is becoming increasingly familiar.

"So far we have seen the Government halt sustainable logging on the West Coast but allow the complete destruction of SILNA forests. Next the Government introduced Income Related Rents for 59,000 people in state houses but abandoned 270,000 people renting privately. And more recently was the provision of the Community Services Card to beneficiaries while 48,000 working families on the same incomes missed out.

"All these decisions are totally inequitable. And now we are staring down the barrel of smoking legislation that is equally inconsistent.

"This Government needs to sort itself out. These double standards have to stop," David Carter said.

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