Hobart throws down the gauntlet on smoking bans

The Tasmanian Greens are urging municipal leaders across Tasmania to emulate the success of the Hobart City Council, by taking steps to ban smoking in all busy public places.

Greens Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP today congratulated Hobart City Council for being named the national winner of the Heart Foundation Healthy Community awards.

“Hobart has thrown down the gauntlet for Launceston and Burnie to show they’re also prepared to stand up for public health by banning smoking in busy public spaces like malls,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“This award is richly deserved, and it is acknowledgement that local municipal leaders can play a leading role in addressing the negative health impacts of smoking.”

“In Tasmania we have the second highest smoking rate in Australia, and the highest rate of pregnant mothers smoking at 27%.”

“Hobart City Council has proven that it is serious about tackling the adverse health effects of smoking in public places on children and other non-smokers, and the Greens would urge all other Councils to look at how they can emulate Hobart’s success.”