Parramatta smoke-free backflip – whose freedom counts? [by Anita Tang]

[1.3.13] This week, a city council in Western Sydney overturned its own policy decision made in July 2010 for smoke-free outdoor dining. For those who care about community health and good governance, the two and a half year saga of Parramatta Council’s smoke-free outdoor policy has been disturbing. How is it possible for a policy [...]

Restaurant smoking ban goes up in flames

[27.2.13] After a two-year battle, smokers will light up their cigarettes again when dining outdoors in Parramatta, after the council surrendered to restaurateurs concerned about lost profits. Cancer Council NSW was shocked by the council’s backflip and said it ignored the dangers of second-hand smoke. ”The state government will bring in the same ban in [...]

Celebrate “clear air” from January 7, 2013

SMOKE-FREE OUTDOOR AREAS ARE HERE. JOIN US AS WE SAY “THANKS”… On January 7, 2013 we welcomed a milestone that’s been years in the making. We can now breathe clear air as public outdoor areas such as bus stops, playgrounds, sporting fields and taxi ranks are smoke-free, with outdoor dining areas to follow in 2015. [...]