Western Australian Smoking Regulations

Tobacco legislation aims at reducing the incidence of illness and deaths caused by the use of tobacco products. For over a decade, ACOSH campaigned on reviewing the Tobacco Products Control Act and smoking regulations in enclosed public places.

The Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 was passed on March 30. This followed a lengthy period of both lobbying and cooperation with politicians from all parties, the Health Department and colleagues across a range of organisations.

The Tobacco Products Control Act has strengthened legislative controls on tobacco advertising and promotion, provided many additional safeguards and, with the instruction of regulations following the Act, reduced the exposure of non smokers to tobacco smoke in pubs and clubs as well as other locations. The main provisions of the Act took effect on 31 July 2006, and on 28 February 2007 licensing requirements for tobacco products or retailers were implemented, together with the requirements relating to displays and warning signs.

In November 2008, Dr Janet Woollard, Independent Member for Alfred Cove, introduced a Bill to WA Parliament which outlined a set of amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006. The Bill seeks to protect the health of the public, and especially children, by:

• Prohibiting smoking in cars carrying children
• Placing all tobacco products out of sight at point-of-sale
• Making al fresco eating areas, children's playgrounds, patrolled beaches and sports grounds smokefree.

To view the submission that ACOSH made to the Education and Health Standing Committee click here.

The Bill passed on 17th September 2009 and was fully implemented on 21st September 2010, 12 months after proclamation.

To view a summary of the Tobacco Products Amendment Bill 2008 click here. The Tobacco Control Amendment Act 2009 can be viewed here.

For more information on legislation in Western Australia, see the attached paper: Tobacco control legislation and public policy in Western Australia 1911-2010 by Maurice Swanson and Betty Durston. This paper chronicles the major changes in public policy and legislation that have driven down the prevalence of smoking in Western Australia.