ACT
 25 April 2003

Productivity Commission 
POB 80.
BELCONNEN ACT 2616
Australia's Gambling Industries

The following is in addition to my submission of 7 April 2003 and relates to the section The impact of smoking bans, on page 31 of The Productivity Commission's Gambling Inquiry: 3 Years On by Gary Banks, Chairman, December 2000.

Claims of loss of business following the introduction of a smokefree environment need to be substantiated.
There are many well validated reports of increased business with non-smokers - 80% of the Australian population - going out more often, and smokers, even the most dedicated, enjoying themselves without smoking. For some it is the start of a new smokefree existence. For the rest the time spent not smoking leads to an overall reduction in smoking - no concern of the gambling industry, exempt that its patrons may have a longer life in which to smoke - but of great concern to the community.
Staff are delighted, no dirty ashtrays to empty, less sickness; less staff turnover, less dirt and damage, less fogging up of air-conditioning systems, less risk of fire, and potentially lower insurance. If smoking is allowed to continues Workers Compensation payments and premiums are likely to escalate, outweighing any possible loss of custom. The image of the gambling industry will also suffer.
The gambling industry has a duty of care towards its clients, staff, inspectors and others. A smoking environment, whether it is the clients, staff or others who smoke, breaches that duty of care. The premises and access to those premises must be smokefree.
Reform should come from above -.legislation to prohibit smoking in public buildings, whether fully enclosed or only partially enclosed, at all times and without exception. Pending legislation the gambling industry would be wise to introduce its own no-smoking rules.

Geraldine Spencer
life member Canberra ASH Incorporated
former editor ASHES TO DUST