Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonjhelm says smokers are being bullied and have become pariahs.  

"If you’re not getting smoke blown in your face, but you just disapprove of smoking, then why should your opinion be relevant?" Mr Leyonhjelm said.

He also argued business owners should be allowed to decide whether smokers should be allowed to smoke in bars and restaurants.

"Why shouldn’t they be able to put a sign on their door that says smoking is permitted on these premises? If you don’t like going into a bar or restaurant in which people are smoking then you don’t go in," Mr Leyonhjelm said.