Tobacco Regulation

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (14:51): My question is to the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse. What initiatives is the South Australian government undertaking to ensure businesses comply with state tobacco laws?

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS (Taylor—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse) (14:52): I would like to thank the member for Elder for her ongoing concern about public health policy in our state and her commitment to that space. Members may recall that as of 1 July 2016 smoking has been banned in public outdoor dining areas in South Australia. SA Health has been busy informing and responding to community and business inquiries and complaints, with information and resources mailed to over 1,000 businesses.

The department also conducts targeted inspections at popular dining precincts. The South Australian government is committed to reducing the harms of tobacco on our society and working with businesses to achieve that. We have had a constructive relationship with the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association and the AHA during this time.

I have been advised that during the two-year period, between July 2014 and June 2016, approximately 2,200 retail tobacco licences were held by South Australian businesses, 1,166 compliance inspections were conducted and 55 local government officers were authorised in South Australia to enforce smoking bans in seven council areas, including major hospitality and retail precincts in the Adelaide CBD and the Holdfast Bay area.

I would like to point out that this is about empowering business owners and premises. These initiatives are about helping change the way we deal with smoking habits in our state. Recent statistics show that 12 per cent of adults in Adelaide smoke daily, less than the national metropolitan average of 12.7 per cent. The regional average for South Australia is 15.8 per cent, well below the national average of 18 per cent. The South Australian government believes in working cooperatively with businesses to reduce the harms of tobacco use in our state.

The opposition's stance on e-cigarettes is a stunt and nothing more. Their proposal is underdone on many fronts, including the lack of any emphasis on enforcement or even attempting the legal complexities of this policy space.

Mr GARDNER: Point of order: the minister is debating.

The SPEAKER: Worse than debating, the minister is reflecting on a decision of the house and agitating again a debate and a vote that the house had this morning, so I would ask her to move away from that. Minister.

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS: I have concluded, thank you, Mr Speaker.