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The ACT Government has banned smoking in playgrounds and play spaces in the ACT with the lighting up of a tobacco or e-cigarette prohibited within 10 metres of play equipment, regardless of whether children are present or not.

The change is the first made under new laws that allow ministers to declare areas smoke-free without legislation.

Explaining what he says is a logical move, ACT Assistant Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris stated “we think most people know that smoking around a playground is not the right thing to do, and that smoking is not good for your health and it's certainly not good for children's health."

The ban is backed by strong community support for the ban, with 98% of 307 submissions made during the consultation period in favour of the change.

Minister Fitzharris added “we want to ensure our playgrounds and playspaces are vibrant, healthy places for families to be in, and that they help foster in our kids healthy social, physical and mental development.

"Second-hand smoke can be particularly harmful to children because their lungs are still developing. They have a higher risk of health conditions such as middle ear infections, asthma ... which can be exacerbated by exposure to second-hand smoke."

Minister Fitzharris said more smoke-free declarations would come in the next term of the ACT Government, including public spaces such as bus interchanges and light rail stops.

She condlued "smoking rates continue to decline but we can't take our eye off the ball.

"We have to make sure that people understand the dangers of smoking and the health risks - not just to them but to the broader community."

'No smoking' signs are now being installed at public playgrounds and play spaces throughout the ACT with anyone caught smoking in a declared smoke-free area set to face fines.

Victoria and NSW already have laws banning smoking in playgrounds and other recreational spaces.

10th February 2015 - ROTORUA LAKES COUNCIL FACILITIES GOING TOTALLY SMOKE-FREE

21st November 2014 - NSW TO BAN SMOKING IN NATIONAL PARKS

2nd November 2013 - VICTORIA BANS SMOKING AT SPORTING VENUES, PLAYGROUNDS, SKATE PARKS AND POOLS 

30th July 2013 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL APPROVES NEW SMOKE-FREE POLICY 

21st February 2012 - NSW TO BAN SMOKING AT PLAYGROUNDS, SPORTS GROUNDS AND SWIMMING POOLS

29th May 2010 - SMOKING BAN AT AUCKLAND ZOO

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