THE NEED FOR SMOKE FREE PUBLIC SPACES
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: I address my question to the Attorney General, representing the Minister for Health. Is the Minister aware that many thousands of workers and patrons of various New South Wales venues, including many children, are being exposed to the proven health risk of environmental or second hand tobacco smoke? Is the Minister aware that this situation violates occupational health and safety rights, conflicts with disability discrimination laws, and undermines Australia’s obligations under article 8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control? Is the Minister aware that other states, particularly Queensland, have already acted quickly to support legislative action to separate smoking areas from eating, gaming and all other working and child-accessible areas? Will the Minister indicate what steps New South Wales will take to more aggressively address unwanted tobacco smoke from endangering the respiratory health of people?