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 < Back "Minister for Cancer" Allows Smoking Despite Ban Jan 14th 2006 NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans has denounced recently gazetted regulations for the implementation of a complete ban on smoking in pubs and clubs. The regulations would allow for areas with partial ceilings to be classified as 'outdoors'. Dr. Chesterfield-Evans, a long-time health campaigner, has expressed his concerns for non-smoking patrons as well as the staff who will be required to work in areas that are a risk to their health. "The Smoke Free Environment Act has been gutted by these regulations. They also put employers in a vulnerable position from a legal point of view. Hoteliers are still obliged to give their employees a workplace free of hazards, and this includes tobacco smoke, " he said. The Objects of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 state that the health, safety and welfare of employees should be secured and promoted. Additionally, the Act states that the work environment should be "safe and healthy" and "protects them [workers] from injury and illness". "We need to eliminate the risks to workers, employers and the public by implementing a clear and comprehensive ban on smoking in covered areas now. I am very disturbed by the language I'm hearing from the government on this subject," said Dr Chesterfield-Evans. A release from the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), Frank Sartor, regarding the implementation of the Smoke Free Environment Act 2004, states: 'The Government has gazetted new guidelines to define where smoking will be permitted, once a complete ban on smoking comes into place. ' "This sort of double-talk is very dangerous. These regulations cater to the Hotel lobby's fears that nobody will drink or socialize without a cigarette, but do nothing to address the much bigger risks posed by tort lawyers," he concluded. |
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updated:
February 14, 2006
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