Have Your Say: Help Strengthen WA’s Strata Laws Against Smoke Drift

What are the harms of secondhand smoke?

Everyone deserves a healthy living environment free from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. There is no safe level of secondhand tobacco smoke, but in WA, 38% of non-smokers living in higher density housing have had secondhand smoke creep into their home.

Secondhand smoke can make its way over balconies and fences, up stairwells, and through vents, windows and even air conditioning units. Breathing in secondhand smoke can have short-term effects, like irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat and worsening breathing problems and asthma. The long-term health impacts of secondhand smoke include cancer, heart and lung diseases and poorer health outcomes for people with existing health issues, babies and children.

The current Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA) is silent on the issue of smoking, causing confusion and distress for residents.

How can I take action?

Your voice can make a difference. For the first time in five years, the State Government is reviewing WA’s strata laws. This is a rare opportunity to improve the quality of life for people living in strata housing.

Landgate, on behalf of the Minister for Lands, is leading the review and inviting the public to submit their feedback.

You have until 31 October 2024 to make your voice heard!

For help with your submission, you can follow the instructions below.

How to make a submission

Making a submission is simple! You can provide feedback on the Landgate website or via email.

You are welcome to use the points below in your submission:

• The following issues relate to theme 2 of the consultation – ‘Enhance strata living’.
• Secondhand smoke can cause or worsen many health conditions and diseases including cancer, heart disease, respiratory conditions, asthma, diabetes. It is especially risky for unborn babies, children, people with breathing problems.
• More can be done to protect the health of West Australians who do not smoke.
• It needs to be easier for strata complexes to go 100% smoke-free and vape-free if they choose to do so.
• We need model by-laws that ban smoking/vaping on common property and in circumstances where it is impacting other residents.
• There are many benefits to smoke-free strata properties. As well as protecting the health of residents, smoke-free environments encourage people to smoke less and make more quit attempts.

Remember:

• If you prefer your name to remain confidential, please indicate this in your submission.

• Clearly indicate if there is information or data in your submission that is confidential and should be redacted before publication.
• You can read the Phase 1 Discussion Paper on the Landgate website for more information about the consultation and its review themes.