Parliament Sets Good Example In Smoke-Free

The statement by the Speaker of the House in Parliament today, that the entire parliamentary complex will be smoke-free from December 10, shows strong leadership and is to be greatly applauded says the Smoke-free Coalition.

The coalition’s director, Leigh Sturgiss, says the Government took a brave stand in passing the Smoke-Free Environments (Enhanced Protection) Amendment Bill which will be enacted on December 10.

“It’s great to see they are leading by example in complying fully with the provision of the Act by making all of complex smoke-free. It ties in nicely with the current ‘Take the smoke Outside’ campaign.”

The Speaker of the House, the Hon Jonathan Hunt announced in Parliament today that from December 10, the entire Parliamentary complex, including Parliament House, the Executive Wing, Bowen House and the Parliamentary Library would be smokefree. This includes those areas in which smoking has previously been permitted such as the bar known as Pickwicks, single person offices with windows opening to the outside, the car park areas in levels two and three of Bowen House, the underground garages in Parliament House and the Executive Wing and the walkway under the main steps of Parliament House.

Mr Hunt said other smokefree areas that merited specific mention included the lobbies, Chamber and galleries, the Parliamentary House conservatory, including the bridge, the members’ recreation room, the library veranda and the balcony outside level 20 of Bowen House.

In congratulating the Speaker on his pronouncement, The Smokefree Coalition said, ”We are ever hopeful that this most welcome legislation, and now Parliament’s public and practical commitment to it, will persuade those members of parliament who continue to smoke to make the choice to give up. As leaders we think they should see this as their responsibility as role models.”

Ms Stugiss says, “There is no question that second-hand smoke can – and does – kill. There is no acceptable justification for exposing employees, and that includes people working in Parliament, to this risk in their working environment. Thank you, Mr Speaker.”

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