Greens move to ban smoking in playgrounds

14/11/07 11:00 am

Greens MLC Mark Parnell will today introduce a private members bill into the state’s Upper House to ban smoking in children’s playgrounds

The bill, the Tobacco Products Regulation (Prohibition on Smoking in Children’s Recreational Parks) Amendment Bill 2007 will ban smoking in a children’s recreational park if a child is present.

“Playgrounds should be a safe space. Kids, especially those with asthma or cystic fibrosis, should not have to run the risk of exposure to harmful tobacco.

“There is a heap of evidence linking exposure to smoking to a range of negative health effects. Growing children are particularly vulnerable. We should be doing everything we can to lessen that risk.

“This move has strong community support. A survey in NSW in 2006 showed 92% supported a complete ban on adults smoking in children’s playgrounds. In September, the Mount Gambier Council indicated they were keen to move in this direction.

“Therefore, I look forward to strong support for my Bill in Parliament,” he said.

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