ASH Australia media release                                      August 11, 2009

Tobacco-free universities win top marks

Notre Dame, Edith Cowan are leaders in protecting health  

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The University of Notre Dame and Edith Cowan University , both in Western Australia , have won top marks for freeing campuses from tobacco smoke and tobacco industry interference.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Australia surveyed all Australian universities’ policies covering:

• banning university acceptance of research or other support from the tobacco  industry;

• ending investment by the university in tobacco companies, or other material connections with them;

• smokefree places, including buildings, vehicles and crowded or staffed outdoor areas;

• ending sale and promotion of tobacco on campus; and

• provision of assistance to staff and students to quit smoking.

Said ASH Chairman, Associate Professor Matthew Peters : “Comprehensive tobacco-free policies can improve the health and performances of students and staff; and can set a socially responsible, ethical standard for breaking connections with tobacco companies.

“After surveying all Australian universities in 2007 and 2009, we were pleased at the progress made in some areas. More than 20 universities now have policies banning or limiting acceptance of research funding from tobacco companies, and many have extended their smokefree areas.

“Notre Dame wins one of our top prizes for its 100% smokefree campus policy – creating a safe, healthy educational environment protecting staff, students and visitors from secondhand smoke harm.

“Our other top award goes to Edith Cowan University for its broad range of policies including preventing tobacco industry interference in the university via funding, personnel and careers links.

“Our surveys show we need more policy reform in banning on-campus tobacco sales, limiting personnel connections between university staff and tobacco companies, and preventing tobacco industry interference via careers and investment.

“Some universities could also do more to provide on-campus quit help to staff and students.”

Summary of results*:

ASH Tobacco-Free University Prizes: 
Uni of Notre Dame for 100% smokefree campus policy; Edith Cowan Uni for policies against tobacco interference.

High Distinctions: Uni of SA and Australian Catholic Uni for strong smokefree areas policies;
Central Queensland, Macquarie, Melbourne , Newcastle and Western Sydney for leading or broad-ranging policies.

Distinctions for leading or broad-ranging policies: Adelaide , Curtin, Sydney , UTS, Victoria , Wollongong .

Credits: ANU, Bond, Deakin, Flinders, Griffith , Monash, QUT, RMIT, UNSW, UWA. 

Passes: Charles Sturt, Queensland , Sunshine Coast .   

Failure (to do more than meet minimum legislative obligations): Ballarat, Canberra, Charles Darwin, James Cook, New England, Southern Cross, Southern Qld, Tasmania;  and by failing to respond to the survey, LaTrobe, Murdoch and Swinburne Unis did not demonstrate that they met minimum tobacco-free requirements.

* 2009  survey summary and results table

See ASH’s   Guide for a Tobacco-free Campus

Comment:        Assoc. Prof. Matthew Peters     ph. (02) 9767-6712;  m. 0407-499-440
Media info/comment:   Stafford Sanders            ph. (02) 9334-1823;  m. 0412-070-194

Page last updated 11/8/09