A week after a new smoking ban came into force at the Australian National University, grounds staff and administrators say early results around the campus are encouraging.
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In May, ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young announced the new university-wide ban from Monday's start of second semester, including at the Mt Stromlo Observatory and Kioloa coastal campus near Batemans Bay.
ANU executive director of Administration and Planning Chris Grange said after one week of the change, there had been no complaints from staff and students.
"We've already noticed a decline in the number of cigarette butts to be seen on the campus and we've had reports from cleaners that it is actually already making a difference in the appearance of the campus generally," he said.
"The anecdotal feedback has been really positive actually. A lot of people have been saying that it's not an issue and a lot of people noticing the elimination of groups of smokers outside buildings and entrances."
Signage and electronic billboards have been in place and to help staff and students adjust to the new policy, support sessions and anti-smoking seminars have taken place.
ANU will pay for courses for staff and PhD students, while undergraduate students can receive assistance form the student association.
A community-based model is being used for policing of the ban and student groups have welcomed the policy.
Mr Grange said work was ongoing for small special designated areas for the thousands who live in campus accommodation and use campus licensed venues.
"We'll be collecting feedback on the smoking bans on an ongoing basis so our cleaners, workplace health and safety people, supervisors will all be collecting feedback over the next couple of months," he said.
Smoking was previously prohibited inside ANU buildings and within 10 metres of building entrances. Electronic cigarettes are also included in the new bans.
