QLD Government – Employers Beware

Date: 03 May 2001

The 'world-first' passive smoking claim decision yesterday should be seen as a warning to Queensland government and employers to take urgent action to stop smoking in workplaces.

Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) General Secretary Grace Grace said this case proves beyond doubt that government and employers have a responsibility to ban smoking from all workplaces.

"The QCU wants Queensland government and employers to take notice and change current legislation and practises," Ms Grace said.

"The outcome is clear, the decision yesterday will act as a catalyst for change to stop smoking in workplaces," she said.

"Employees can now expect a smoke-free workplace including workers in the hospitality industry," Ms Grace said.

"Workers in the hospitality industry especially are routinely exposed to environmental tobacco smoke with most hospitality venues being totally unregulated," she said.

"Hospitality workplaces are the last workplaces in Australia where people can smoke," Ms Grace said.

"No other worker in Australia has to put up with this every day of their working life," she said.

"The Queensland government and employers should go as far as possible to ensure the health and safety of all workers," Ms Grace said.

"We are concerned that if action is not taken, worker's compensation claims are going to escalate dramatically," she said.

"Surely more claims can be expected from workers in the hospitality industry which has the last workplaces left where smoking is allowed," Ms Grace said.

"Laws should be in place to address this issue as it is now a reality," she said.

For media comment contact General Secretary Grace Grace on (07) 3846 2468 or 0418 782 654 or Assistant General Secretary Chris Barrett on (07) 3846 2468 or 0418 156 289

For further information

Contact:	Liz Phillips
Union:	Queensland Council of Unions
Phone:	07 3846 2468
Email:	lizp@qcu.asn.au
WWW:	http://www.qcu.asn.au

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