SIMON Corbell has announced a discussion paper on options for new outdoor smoke-free areas in the ACT.

“The discussion paper seeks community feedback on establishing smoke-free areas at public playgrounds, skate parks, bus waiting areas, building entrances, sporting events and public swimming pools,” Simon said.

“Tobacco smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia.

“When in close proximity to someone who is smoking, bystanders can be exposed to harmful levels of second-hand smoke. This exposure can cause a range of adverse health effects including lung cancer and heart disease.

“Second-hand smoke can be particularly harmful to children, and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), middle ear infections, upper and lower respiratory infections, asthma, chronic cough and developmental delays.

“The ACT Government is committed to protecting the community from the harms associated with smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. One way of doing this is to create smoke-free areas in public spaces.”

“The consultation focuses on smoke-free areas at outdoor places where people congregate in close proximity, or can’t move away from someone who is smoking without losing access to a service or activity. There is an additional emphasis on areas that are designed for, or often visited by children, young people and their families.

“Reducing exposure to the role modelling of smoking behaviours in outdoor environments can help prevent children and young people from taking up smoking,” Mr Corbell said.

The consultation is open until 17 December 2015. The discussion paper is available online at timetotalk.gov.au.