Health groups have called on the Rudd government to force the states and territories to close legal loopholes allowing smoky workplaces.

‘Smokefree Australia’ is a coalition of 11 unions and health groups which is pushing for employee protection from passive smoking.

The group says the Northern territory is one of the worst offenders with smoking still permitted in all pubs and clubs.

Coordinator Stafford Sanders says Australia is obliged under the World Health Organisation’s Convention on Tobacco Control to take action on the issue.

He spoke with 2ser’s Sam Willcock.