Smoking in Australia
In Australia, smoking is legal but subject to regulations. Cigarettes are allowed for sale and use and can be legally purchased in stores, online, and through vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is also allowed with a license. Furthermore, health warnings on cigarette packaging are required, the minimum legal age for their purchase is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. Cigarettes are subject to an excise tax value of 68% and a total taxation rate of 77%. Despite these measures, smoking still poses a significant public health concern in Australia. As of 2024, the country had approximately 2.4 million current smokers, representing a current smoking prevalence of 11% among adults aged 15 years and older. The prevalence was recorded to be 12.5% in 2022. The prevalence was higher among males (12.9%) than among females (9.3%) in 2024. In 2021, smoking resulted in an estimated 12,838 deaths, including 7,833 deaths among males and 5,005 among females. Overall, smoking led to 7.33% of all deaths in the country, including 8.44% of male deaths and 6.07% of female deaths.
Read articles from Australia
February 02, 2026 by bloomberg.com
Australia Thought It Beat Smoking. Then the Black Market Took Off
The chain-smoking protagonist of Mad Men should be far removed from the life of a modern young Australian — particularly when it comes to tobacco. Australia has been a global leader in anti-smoking policy. Cigarettes there are among the most expensive in the world and are sold in plain packaging plastered with graphic health warnings. Yet just as authorities believed they were winning the battle against smoking, experts say the country is facing a new tobacco crisis. While overall smoking rates continue to fall, research shows progress in reducing teen smoking has slowed — likely due to vaping, which researchers say can act as a gateway to cigarettes.
January 29, 2026 by filtermag.org
New Zealand Embraces Vapes to Cut Smoking—and Cuts Youth Vaping
Youth vaping is used to oppose adult access to nicotine vapes, though the issue is often exaggerated. New Zealand has successfully reduced youth vaping rates by implementing strict regulations without hindering harm reduction. The country's approach includes penalties for selling to minors and limiting marketing tactics. New Zealand's success in reducing smoking and youth vaping challenges misinformation and fear-mongering. In contrast, Australia's stringent vape restrictions have not yielded the same public health benefits. While New Zealand has made significant progress, challenges remain, especially among indigenous Māori youth.
January 22, 2026 by medicalrepublic.com.au
NSW looks to stamp out illicit tobacco
The AMA NSW submitted strategies to reduce nicotine consumption, focusing on tackling illegal tobacco trade, tightening tobacco regulations, enhancing educational campaigns, and assisting individuals to quit. The submission emphasizes the ineffectiveness of reducing tobacco excise in combating illegal trade, calling for evidence-based solutions. Measures include limiting tobacco shopfronts, banning specific nicotine products, and improving youth education on vaping risks. The AMA stresses the importance of prevention through educating minors and vulnerable groups. Initiatives aim to inform individuals about the implications of nicotine use and discourage smoking, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing smoking rates and illegal trade concerns.
January 19, 2026 by health.gov.au
New phase of ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign launches to help Australians quit smoking and vaping
The ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign is helping Australians live healthier, nicotine-free lives by empowering them to quit smoking and vaping for good - or to never start. Designed to help protect people of all ages from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction, this new phase of the campaign responds to recent research showing most Australians who smoke or vape are open to, or trying to quit, and are seeking information to help them take the next step.
January 19, 2026 by health.gov.au
New phase of ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign launches to help Australians quit smoking and vaping
The ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign is helping Australians live healthier, nicotine-free lives by empowering them to quit smoking and vaping for good - or to never start. Designed to help protect people of all ages from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction, this new phase of the campaign responds to recent research showing most Australians who smoke or vape are open to, or trying to quit, and are seeking information to help them take the next step.
January 19, 2026 by health.gov.au
New phase of ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign launches to help Australians quit smoking and vaping
The ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign is helping Australians live healthier, nicotine-free lives by empowering them to quit smoking and vaping for good - or to never start. Designed to help protect people of all ages from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction, this new phase of the campaign responds to recent research showing most Australians who smoke or vape are open to, or trying to quit, and are seeking information to help them take the next step.
January 19, 2026 by health.gov.au
New phase of ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign launches to help Australians quit smoking and vaping
The ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign is helping Australians live healthier, nicotine-free lives by empowering them to quit smoking and vaping for good - or to never start. Designed to help protect people of all ages from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction, this new phase of the campaign responds to recent research showing most Australians who smoke or vape are open to, or trying to quit, and are seeking information to help them take the next step.
January 13, 2026 by abc.net.au
Health expert says 'it's a mystery' why WA is falling behind eastern states on illegal tobacco laws
A leading public health expert expressed puzzlement over why Western Australia has fallen behind other states in modernizing its illicit tobacco laws. The expert highlighted the clear rise of illegal tobacco outlets in Perth and regional areas, which has increased pressure on authorities to respond. Research has shown that this trade is closely connected to organized crime networks across the country. While other states have implemented stronger, updated legislation to tackle the issue, in WA the responsibility falls on the Health Department to inspect and sanction shops under the Tobacco Control Act 2006. This approach has left the state lagging in enforcement compared with the rest of the nation.
December 19, 2025 by afr.com
Tobacco tax take to dwindle to almost nothing
Illegal tobacco has significantly reduced Australia's tobacco excise tax revenue, with projections showing a $22.3 billion decline by 2028. A former Australian Border Force officer warns that tax collection from tobacco could be minimal due to the impact of illegal tobacco trade.
December 12, 2025 by 1news.co.nz
Black market cigarettes more prevalent than legal in Australia
Over half of cigarettes bought in Australia are from the black market, costing taxpayers up to AU$11.8 billion yearly and impacting public health and safety. The illicit tobacco trade undermines efforts to reduce smoking rates, with the black market share estimated at 55-60%. The high excise rates led to this surge, with legitimate packs now over AU$40 while illicit packs go for less than AU$15. Lowering excise rates could increase revenue but risks health consequences, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement. Shuhyta advocates against excise reduction, urging smokers to choose legal options to combat the illicit market and its associated risks.