Media release: September 22, 2004
Tasmania’s
decision to ban indoor smoking in gaming and cabaret venues from January next year,
and in pubs and clubs from January 2006, will
save lives, health and money, say health and trade union organisations.
But
the
SmokeFree Australia coalition, representing the ACTU and hospitality unions as
well as major health groups*, has called on the Liberal and Green parties in the
Tasmanian parliament to stand by their commitment to bring the pub/club deadline
forward.
Says
coalition spokesperson Stafford Sanders: “We
congratulate the Tasmanian government for taking the lead in getting these
workplaces free of toxic tobacco smoke.
"But we urge the Liberals and Greens to bring the bars deadline forward as they have promised," he adds - "preferably to January 2005 in line with these other venues.
“The
test of a political leader’s courage is to stand up to vested interests and
put the public interest first where lives and health are at stake.
“This
ban has been talked about for ten years. It has overwhelming public support, and
immediate life-and-death urgency. And the benefits for the hospitality industry will far outweigh the costs.
"Health and union groups in Tasmania
have worked
so long and hard for a total ban,” he adds, “and many Tasmanian
venues have already gone smokefree in the interests of their workers and
patrons.
“Pushing
the bars date forward will end the messy inequality of the present arrangements,
and will send an important message to other Australian governments..
”There is no safe level of tobacco smoke – and no excuse for further risk to life and health.
"We also call on the parliament to ensure that any outdoor areas where smoking is still to be allowed, be genuinely outdoors and not partly enclosed, and not be areas where staff are serving."
Comment:
Stafford Sanders, SmokeFree
Australia
ph. (02) 9334-1823 or (m)
0412-070-194
* SmokeFree Australia coalition
for clean safe workplaces:
Liquor,
Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union; Musicians’ Union of Australia; Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Australian Council of
Trade Unions; Action on Smoking and Health Australia; The Cancer Council
Australia; National Heart Foundation of Australia; Australian Council on Smoking
and Health; Non-Smokers’ Movement of Australia; Australian Medical
Association.