Alexander Maconochie Centre prisoners wait for decision on smoking ban

Moves by the New South Wales government to force prisoners to quit bring that state into line with Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Bans in prisons in Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria are expected to be in place by July next year.

A spokesman for ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher confirmed plans were still in the works for similar restrictions at the AMC but no final decision has been made.

"The ACT government is progressing work to stop smoking at the AMC," he said on Wednesday. "Detailed consultation is ongoing with internal and external stakeholders to develop an appropriate model and timeline for this to occur."

Ms Gallagher, who serves as Health Minister, has a strong anti-smoking record. Corrections Minister Shane Rattenbury is currently overseas.

In May, the ACT and Tasmania governments were recognised for their effectiveness in limiting the availability of tobacco in the broader community.

Bans on smoking already exist at Canberra's health facilities, schools, restaurants and bars, outdoor eating and drinking areas, and in cars carrying children.

Further bans on smoking are planned, including at public swimming pools, playgrounds, sporting fields, bus interchanges, university campuses, building entrances and large public events.

Plans to end smoking at the AMC and the ACT's Periodic Detention Centre were first raised in a government report in May last year.

It recommended the introduction of restrictions on tobacco use at correctional facilities by August last year but the ACT government opted to wait for the outcome of trials in NSW.

High rates of smoking remain prevalent among AMC inmates, with the report finding detainees should be identified as a "priority focus" in the government's current alcohol, tobacco and drug strategy.

Smoking is permitted outdoors at the AMC, with controls on lighting sources in place. Inmates have reported that smoking indoors is still common.