Proposal to ban smoking in cars carrying children

Health Minister Stephen Robertson will conduct a review all of Queensland’s smoking laws in mid 2007.

“I’ll look at the Queensland Cancer Fund proposal then and work through the issues in consultation with the experts.

“There are significant issues to resolve first to make a ban on smoking in private cars workable.

“For example, how do you enforce such a ban?

“Who do you report an offence to: the police or Queensland Health?

“Another issue is establishing proof of an offence because the evidence literally goes up in smoke.”

While Mr Robertson personally supports restrictions on smoking in cars carrying children, any final decision on whether Queensland would introduce legislation would be a matter for State Cabinet.

“Educating parents will remain the most effective way of stopping people smoking in cars carrying children.”

Smoking is already banned in all Queensland Government vehicles.

MEDIA: Paul Lynch 3234 1190