A month after Australia implemented the nationwide plain tobacco packaging law, the state of New South Wales has leveled up the anti-smoking campaign by prohibiting smoking in public places. The new anti-smoking law became effective on Monday, January 7.

Jillian Skinner, NSW Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, said the state's Smoke-free Environment Act will be implemented at many outdoor locations such as public pools, children's playgrounds, public transport stations, sporting fields and public pools. Smoking is likewise no longer allowed even at entrances to NSW public buildings.

The new laws, according to Anita Tang, Cancer Council NSW's manager for policy and advocacy, will greatly help reduce community exposure to second-hand smoke as well as lessen further and possible smoking influence unto the future generations.

"These new measures will protect children, parents and the whole community from toxic second-hand smoke," Ms Tang said in a statement.

"Taking steps to limit people's exposure to second-hand smoke in outdoor public places is a key step in efforts to minimise tobacco smoking in our society. Smoking is the leading cause of premature death and disability in NSW," Ms Skinner meanwhile said.

Latest data cited by Ms Skinner showed about 5,200 deaths and 44,000 hospitalisations each year in NSW were all due to smoking-related illnesses. It has taken a corresponding $8 billion annually from the state's coffers.

Nationwide, more than 15,000 Australians die annually from tobacco-related illnesses, according to Ms Tang.

"The distress that smoking inflicts on families and the burden this imposes on the health system is simply unacceptable," Ms Skinner said.

"Smoking is a scourge which destroys the health of those in its grip and those unfortunate enough to be nearby when they light up."

Violators could be fined up to $550.

Effective January 2015, NSW's Smoke-free Environment Act will extend to include a ban on smoking at commercial outdoor dining areas in licensed premises, restaurants and cafes all over the state.

On December 1, Australia mandated that all cigarettes or tobacco packs sold in the country should be packaged in identical, olive-brown plain packaging, as well as contain visible health warnings without individual trademarks.