❓ Question regarding the potential reintroduction of smoking in mental health facilities and associated legal and reputational risks. The Minister defends the government's overall record on smoking reduction and clarifies the proposal is limited to involuntary patients in designated outdoor areas.
AnsweredQoN 841Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES — SMOKING POLICY
The minister has said that he supports reintroducing smoking in mental hospitals. This will harm patients and lead to more aggressive behaviour. (1) Have costings been sought for legal cases against the state? (2) Each year a state is awarded the dirty ashtray award for its lack of action on tobacco control. Will the minister accept my dirty ashtray award for his support for reintroducing smoking in WA? Dr K.D. HAMES
The minister has said that he supports reintroducing smoking in mental hospitals. This will harm patients and lead to more aggressive behaviour. (1) Have costings been sought for legal cases against the state? (2) Each year a state is awarded the dirty ashtray award for its lack of action on tobacco control. Will the minister accept my dirty ashtray award for his support for reintroducing smoking in WA? Dr K.D. HAMES
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) There would have been a time when I had a dirty ashtray of my own. Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
(1) Have costings been sought for legal cases against the state? (2) Each year a state is awarded the dirty ashtray award for its lack of action on tobacco control. Will the minister accept my dirty ashtray award for his support for reintroducing smoking in WA? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)–(2) There would have been a time when I had a dirty ashtray of my own. Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
(2) Each year a state is awarded the dirty ashtray award for its lack of action on tobacco control. Will the minister accept my dirty ashtray award for his support for reintroducing smoking in WA? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)–(2) There would have been a time when I had a dirty ashtray of my own. Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)–(2) There would have been a time when I had a dirty ashtray of my own. Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
(1)–(2) There would have been a time when I had a dirty ashtray of my own. Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
(1) Have costings been sought for legal cases against the state? (2) Each year a state is awarded the dirty ashtray award for its lack of action on tobacco control. Will the minister accept my dirty ashtray award for his support for reintroducing smoking in WA? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)–(2) There would have been a time when I had a dirty ashtray of my own. Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
(2) Each year a state is awarded the dirty ashtray award for its lack of action on tobacco control. Will the minister accept my dirty ashtray award for his support for reintroducing smoking in WA? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)–(2) There would have been a time when I had a dirty ashtray of my own. Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Dr K.D. HAMES replied: (1)–(2) There would have been a time when I had a dirty ashtray of my own. Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
(1)–(2) There would have been a time when I had a dirty ashtray of my own. Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Mr B.J. Grylls : But you do love an award, though, Minister for Health! Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Dr K.D. HAMES : I do like an award, yes. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Dr K.D. HAMES : I am pleased to say that if the member gave me the dirty ashtray, I would no longer have a use for it. I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
I do not think this state would be anywhere near likely to get a dirty ashtray award. This state government has done an enormous amount, as did the previous government, in reducing the incidence of smoking in this state. With the massive amount of work that this state has done in reducing smoking, it would be an absolute travesty of justice if the state that has the lowest incidence of smoking in Australia were to get a dirty ashtray award. Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
Now I will get down to the specifics of why the member might want to give me a dirty ashtray award, and that relates to the issue of people confined in a mental institution being able to smoke. It does fall under my responsibility as Minister for Health, even though the Minister for Mental Health has responsibility for mental institutions. It has been stated by the Minister for Mental Health that she will take to cabinet a proposal to change what occurs for those involuntary patients. My understanding—I have not seen it yet as it obviously has not reached cabinet for a decision—is that it revolves around the fact that the mental health facility site will remain smoke-free for all voluntary patients. If a patient at Royal Perth Hospital wants to smoke, they are not allowed to smoke on the hospital grounds, but they can, and do, go off-site for a cigarette. People who are involuntarily detained at an institution do not have that opportunity. The proposal that has been put forward is that an enclosure be created outside that facility in the open to allow those patients who are addicted to cigarettes to have a cigarette. On the member’s comment that I support that proposal, I have said that that matter will come before cabinet and the government will make a decision on whether it supports that proposal.
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