CANCER Council ACT will provide quit-smoking intervention training to detainees and staff as the Alexander Maconochie Centre moves to a smoke-free environment by midway this year. 

Cancer Council ACT CEO Verity Hawkins said onsite training of staff and detainees in quit-smoking interventions will help them understand and support each other to quit smoking.

“Through this training, Cancer Council ACT is pleased to support measures to reduce exposure to smoking and second-hand smoke in workplaces, or where people are unable to avoid it,” Ms Hopkins said.

“The transition to a smoke-free AMC will occur in stages. Staff will also be supported to quit smoking if they wish to,” says Corrections Minister Mick Gentleman. 

“A number of programs will be available to staff and detainees.  Nicotine Replacement Therapy will be available in the form of nicotine patches and lozenges. Detainees will also have access to diversionary activities such as exercise, art, barbecues, along with QUIT resources, Justice Health Services and the Winnunga Health Clinic for ongoing support.”

The ACT is one of the last jurisdictions in Australia to transition to a smoke-free correctional centre.