Health Minister David Davis said the government would begin consulting on the changes, which would bring Victoria in line with similar laws in other states.

Mr Davis said local councils, health and sporting bodies would have six weeks to make submissions on the new laws, which the government hopes to bring before parliament this year.

“This is a further, sensible step in a long line of tobacco initiatives,” he said in Melbourne yesterday.

“These measures are targeted to protect families and protect children.”

The new laws would restrict smoking within all public playgrounds, swimming pools and children’s sporting facilities.

They do not include a ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas.

However, Mr Davis foreshadowed more changes later this year.

“We will make further announcements on that in coming months,” he said.