• Section 1 - Preamble
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Policy
• Section 5 - Non-Compliance

Section 1 - Preamble

(1) Charles Darwin University (‘the University’, ‘CDU’) is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all members of our community.

(2) Smoking and vaping in any form is prohibited on CDU campuses. 

Section 2 - Purpose

(3) This policy outlines the approach to smoking and vaping on University campuses and the support available for employees and students who wish to quit.

(4) This policy will also identify the off-campus areas that have been identified as approved areas to smoke or vape. 

Section 3 - Scope

(5) This policy applies to all employees, students, contractors, and visitors to University campuses and University events.

Section 4 - Policy

(6) The University recognises that smoking or vaping, in any form, on University property is detrimental to the health and safety of students, employees, contractors and visitors.

(7) Smoking and/or vaping is prohibited at all times:

1. on CDU campuses, centres, and sites;
2. in CDU vehicles; and
3. during any approved CDU fieldwork activity where other persons may be exposed to second hand smoke or the vapour from electronic cigarettes and similar devices.

Off-campus smoking areas

(8) Smoke and vape-free boundaries for each campus are as follows:

1. Alice Springs;
2. Casuarina;
3. Danala | Education and Community Precinct;
4. Katherine Rural Campus; and
5. Palmerston.

(9) Smoking and vaping are prohibited at the following CDU centres:

1. Brisbane;
2. Katherine Town Centre;
3. Nhulunbuy;
4. Sydney;
5. Tennant Creek; and
6. Waterfront.

(10) Any individual or group who goes off-campus to smoke or vape must:

1. ensure that all waste relating to smoking or vaping, including ash, is disposed of thoughtfully and does not litter University property or the property of our neighbours; and
2. abide by any local protocols regarding smoking and vaping.

Exemption

(11) Residents of on-campus accommodation may smoke or vape within their residential precinct. Residents must not smoke or vape:

1. in buildings, rooms, or undercover areas;
2. on balconies or stairwells; or
3. within two metres of doorways, windows, or air conditioners.

(12) Non-residents of on-campus accommodation are not permitted to smoke in residential precincts.

Support

(13) The University values healthy lifestyle choices and encourages everyone to take action to protect their health.

(14) Smokers seeking advice on how to quit should contact Quitline on 137 848 and visit the Quit website.

(15) Employees seeking support can access the Employee Assistance Program.

(16) Students seeking support can access counselling through Student Wellbeing and Support.

Compliance

(17) All members of the CDU community are encouraged to educate others and raise awareness of the requirements of this policy.

(18) If any group or individual does not comply with this policy after being reminded of its requirements, they may be reported to Health, Safety and Environment or campus Security for further action.

(19) An employee or student’s failure to comply with this policy may result in additional action in accordance with the Code of Conduct - Employees and Code of Conduct - Students, as applicable.

Section 5 - Non-Compliance

(20) Non-compliance with Governance Documents is considered a breach of the Code of Conduct – Staff or the Code of Conduct – Students, as applicable, and is treated seriously by the University. Reports of concerns about non-compliance will be managed in accordance with the applicable disciplinary procedures outlined in the Charles Darwin University and Union Enterprise Agreement 2022 and the Code of Conduct – Students.

(21) Complaints may be raised in accordance with the Code of Conduct – Staff and Code of Conduct - Students.

(22) All staff members have an individual responsibility to raise any suspicion, allegation or report of fraud or corruption in accordance with the Fraud and Corruption Control Policy and Whistleblower Reporting (Improper Conduct) Procedure.