Thread: No Smoking in NSW National Parks

Originally Posted by 303gunner

Absolutely. The powers of Transit Police were not changed, neither were the Rail-related pieces of legislation. They can still only issue fines for offences under those acts.


The Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 was what was amended, to both extend the coverage of public areas, and to add the authority of Police to issue fines. Read the act here: Smoke-free Environment Act 2000. Sect 14 and 14a lists who can enforce the act. Sect 14a was only added in Jan 2014.


This article describes the limited powers that Transit Officers have.


This does not mean that there are not fines for smoking on railway stations, only that Transit Officers are limited in where they can enforce them. Police can, and do, issue fines for smoking anywhere on Public Transport related infrastructure.

Ok... so Transit officers could only impose fines under the Rail Safety Act 2008 but this is no longer.

Smoking generally prohibited
(1) A person must not smoke on any train or in any public area that is roofed or otherwise covered.

Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.

Seems they have mostly been replaced by Police officers now so hopefully they will start to impose fines on those breaking the rules!

With most things, like driving a 4Wd, there is a trade off. 4WDs may create some problems, but on balance the benefits outweigh them and only a tiny minority of people think the world would be a better place if they had never been invented.

However with smoking, there is no benefit to balance the harm they do. There is no doubt that the world would be a better place if cigarettes had never been invented. There are even an enormous number of smokers who would agree, mostly those who are either suffering the effects of smoking or those who are desperately trying to kick the habit.

Originally Posted by 303gunner

Absolutely. The powers of Transit Police were not changed, neither were the Rail-related pieces of legislation. They can still only issue fines for offences under those acts.


The Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 was what was amended, to both extend the coverage of public areas, and to add the authority of Police to issue fines. Read the act here: Smoke-free Environment Act 2000. Sect 14 and 14a lists who can enforce the act. Sect 14a was only added in Jan 2014.


This article describes the limited powers that Transit Officers have.


This does not mean that there are not fines for smoking on railway stations, only that Transit Officers are limited in where they can enforce them. Police can, and do, issue fines for smoking anywhere on Public Transport related infrastructure.

To tangent a little more, isn't this the second time that have replaced Transit Police?

I seem to remember that the old Transit Police (or State Rail Police) were transferred to the NSW Police back in the 1980's. NSW Police then redeployed the specialised and experienced State Rail Police to general non-rail policing duties leaving a free for all and security risks on the railways. To combat the increasing assaults, theft and other crime, State rail introduced the security officers. At the same time the old State Rail Police, now NSW Police officers didn't like general policing so left the Police Force.

Its all a big dysmal spiral. I wonder how long it will be this time?

Why are we so vigorous in stopping a few smoking people who smoke are the end of a station. Are but it is the law. There are far more other things we should be concerned about breaking the law. Or do we feel better because we have stopped someone doing something. Our little win in society?.

Originally Posted by vnx205

With most things, like driving a 4Wd, there is a trade off. 4WDs may create some problems, but on balance the benefits outweigh them and only a tiny minority of people think the world would be a better place of they had never been invented.

However with smoking, there is no benefit to balance the harm they do. There is no doubt that the world would be a better place if cigarettes had never been invented. There are even an enormous number of smokers who would agree, mostly those who are either suffering the effects of smoking or those who are desperately trying to kick the habit.

You understand that when a cure for cancer is found, the world is going to be a far worse place right?....so no, I doubt that it would make it a better place, there needs to be population curbing.....yes it would make it better for people personal/family lifes immensely, but again, put it in the bigger picture

Its all good to live in your own little bubble, but the reality is, overpopulation will see living standard drop dramatically

Originally Posted by boa

Why are we so vigorous in stopping a few smoking people who smoke are the end of a station. Are but it is the law. There are far more other things we should be concerned about breaking the law. Or do we feel better because we have stopped someone doing something. Our little win in society?.

They may be at the end of the platform but the smoke blows down the platform and I just don't appreciate having to breathe the crap in thats all. On two other occasions in last couple of months I have had to put up with passengers smoking in the toilet and then stinking the carriage out when they are done. Bloody selfish i'd say

Originally Posted by rovercare

You understand that when a cure for cancer is found, the world is going to be a far worse place right?....

i never had considered this before.
scary.

Originally Posted by Discomark

Bloody selfish i'd say

i agree and they couldnt care less.