The Queensland Parliament is making changes to state laws to prohibit smoking at public and private hospitals and health facilities, and within five metres of their boundaries. The new laws will come into effect on 1 January 2015.

Together with the existing bans on smoking indoors, the new laws create completely smoke-free environments at all hospitals and health facilities in Queensland, including all UnitingCare Health hospitals. The law applies to the use of all smoking products, including regular cigarettes and devices commonly known as electronic cigarettes. On-the-spot fines apply for breaches of the tobacco laws.

From 1 January, smokers must extinguish their cigarettes well before they enter the health facility grounds, thereby reducing community exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

The new laws support the health and wellbeing of public and private health staff by creating completely smoke-free work environments. Completely smoke-free hospitals and health facilities reinforce the message that they are places for the provision of healthcare, and the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices.

For more information on Queensland’s tobacco laws, call 13 QGOV (13 74 67) or visit www.qld.gov.au.

For information or support to quit smoking, call Quitline 13 QUIT (13 78 48) or talk with your doctor, health professional, general practitioner or pharmacist.