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The University of Western Australia will join most other WA public universities to go smoke-free from 1 January 2012.

Smoking is already banned in all UWA buildings and in some substantially enclosed courtyards and main thoroughfares.

Under the University's smoke free health policy from January 1, staff and students will be encouraged and supported to quit smoking rather than go off campus to smoke.

A total smoking ban at the University of Adelaide last year was well-received and put into practice easily. The same is expected at UWA.

Bob Farrelly, Chair of the UWA Smoke Free Working Group, said the smoke free policy would benefit all staff, students and visitors to the university exposed to the unhealthy effects of passive smoking.

"We don't want to punish smokers - we want to help them and ensure a healthier environment for everybody," Mr Farrelly said.

Bins for cigarette butts will be placed at key UWA campus entries, with signs reminding smokers to "butt out".  All other ashtrays will be removed and the sale of tobacco will also be banned.

UWA has developed a website with information about the policy and links to professional help to quit smoking. The web address is: https://uwa.edu.au/smokefree/

Staff can salary package the cost of joining a smoking cessation group run by the Robin Winkler Clinic, which is linked to UWA's School of Psychology.

Media references

Bob Farrelly (Human Resources)  (+61 8)  6488 3223
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716