New Policy Library

The objectives of this policy are to:

(a)   outline the University’s commitment to providing a smoke-free work and learning environment; and

(b)   establish the University’s position on promotional or investment relationships with the tobacco industry.

This policy applies to all University:

(a)   controlled buildings, grounds and property;

(b)   owned or controlled vehicles; and

(c)   income and investment streams, including venue hire.

This policy is made under the University of Melbourne Act 2009 (Vic) and the Vice Chancellor’s Regulation and supports compliance with:

(a)    Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic);

(b)   Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic); and

(c)    National Tobacco Strategy 2012–2018.

4.1   The University is committed to providing a safe and healthy campus environment free of passive smoking risk for staff, students, contractors, honoraries and visitors. 

4.2   While the University recognises an individual's right to smoke and consume tobacco products, the University is committed to minimising the smoking-related and tobacco-related harm to all persons who attend the University’s campuses. 

4.3   Smoking is prohibited: 

(a)   in University vehicles; 

(b)   in University-controlled buildings;

(c)   on University-controlled grounds and property, except for those areas established as designated smoking areas; and

(d)   in University residences.

4.4   The University is committed to establishing and maintaining a campus environment that is free from promotion and encouragement of smoking and tobacco consumption for its employees, students, contractors, honoraries and visitors.

4.5   Smoking and tobacco advertising, promotion and sales are prohibited in or on University-controlled property and buildings.

4.6   The University does not hire any of its venues or spaces to the tobacco industry or for any event that promotes the use of tobacco. The University maintains income streams that are free from the influence of tobacco industry funding.

4.7   The University does not accept funding from the tobacco industry for any purpose, including:

(a)   research;

(b)   learning and teaching;

(c)   student awards; and

(d)   gifts and sponsorship.

4.8   The University does not invest directly in companies directly involved in the tobacco industry.

5.1.    Staff, students, contractors, honoraries and visitors are prohibited from smoking:

(a)   in University-owned or controlled vehicles;

(b)   in University-controlled buildings; and

(c)   on University-controlled property, except for those areas established as designated smoking areas.

5.2.    The Executive Director, Business Services and Chief Technology Officer ensures entrances to University campuses are adequately signed (taking into account the likely use of the entrance) with information about the University’s smoke-free status.

5.3.    The Executive Director, Business Services and Chief Technology Officer may establish designated smoking areas at each University campus.

5.4.    The Executive Director, Business Services and Chief Technology Officer must take into account the following requirements when establishing designated smoking areas to provide:

  (a)   minimum distance of five metres from any building entrance, operable window or air intake;

  (b)   minimum distance of 10 metres from any dangerous goods storage or delivery area;

  (c)   reasonable protection for non-smokers from environmental tobacco smoke likely to emanate from the designated smoking area;

  (d)   reasonable access for smokers located on the campus;

  (e)   adequate signage; and

  (f)   information about smoking cessation assistance programs.

5.5.  The Executive Director, Business Services and Chief Technology Officer, or delegate, may approve written requests for temporary exemptions to this procedure after taking into account:

(a)    compliance with the Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic);

(b)   provision of reasonable protection for non-smokers from environmental tobacco smoke; and

(c)    the need for the exemption.

5.6.    The person responsible for approving new leases, licences and other permission to use University space must include provisions restricting the occupants of the space from smoking and/or selling tobacco products.

5.7.    General Counsel must ensure that standard agreements include reference to the Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Campuses Policy.

5.8.    The Director, Wellbeing Services must ensure smoking cessation information and resources are available to support staff and students.

5.9.      Students persistently breaching the Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Campuses Policy may be subject to action under the Student Conduct Policy (MPF1324).

5.10.    Staff persistently breaching the Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Campuses Policy may be subject to action under the Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy (MPF1328).

5.11.    Contractors persistently breaching the Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Campuses Policy may be required to leave the campus or may be subject to an action for breach of contract.

5.12.    Visitors continuing to breach the Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Campuses Policy after being requested to desist may be required to leave the campus by campus security.

Smoking means the inhalation and exhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco. For the purposes of this policy, smoking also refers to:

(a)     any method of consuming by combustion/smoking of plant material, herbs, or drugs (licit or illicit) using any utensil or apparatus including cigarettes, pipes or cigars;

(b)     the use of e-cigarettes; and

(c)     the use of chewing tobacco.

Gift means the same as defined under the Gift Policy (MPF1348).

Sponsorship means the same as defined under the University Naming and Memorial Policy (MPF1201). 

Student award means the same as defined under the Establishment and Award of Student Awards Policy (MPF1062).

Tobacco industry means organisations directly involved in the production, manufacture, marketing and/or promotion of tobacco and related products.

Vice-President (Strategy & Culture)

Director, Health and Safety

This policy is to be reviewed by 7 May 2024.