Second-hand smoke comprises side-stream smoke (the smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette) and exhaled mainstream smoke (the smoke exhaled by the smoker) which causes premature death and disease in children and in adults who do not smoke.

It is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths worldwide every year.

It's the reason why governments and more than half of the state's local councils have gradually introduced strict laws in respect of cigarette smoking and, more importantly, outdoor areas where non-smokers are at risk.

So it is no surprise that Shellharbour council wants to implement tough new laws banning smoking on the city's beaches.

The council's smoking bans will now include beaches, alfresco dining areas, council sports grounds and near children's playgrounds. It's a move that won't impress smokers or civil libertarians but it will mean cleaner, healthier and safer beaches.

And another thing...

Earlier this week, the Mercury took our federal politicians to task about their posturing and brinkmanship when it comes to asylum seekers arriving in Australia by boat.

Well yesterday another boat of asylum seekers capsized on its way to Christmas Island.

That at least spurred Federal Parliament into action to start debating the problem. They shouldn't go home for the winter break until a solution is found.