15.6.5.2 Legislation banning smoking in cars in Australia

    All Australian states and territories now have legislation in force which prohibits smoking in cars while children are present.

    In June 2006, more than a decade after the issue of smoking in cars was first discussed in Australia, the Tasmanian Government released a discussion paper that included a proposal to ban smoking in cars carrying children in that state.

    In March 2007 a proposal to introduce legislation banning smoking in cars carrying children under 18 was announced.

    A Bill to amend s.67H(2) of the Public Health Act 1997 (Tas.) was passed and came into force on 19 December 2007,iv making Tasmania the first Australian jurisdiction to implement such a ban.