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Quick links to detailed datasheets for Australia at gsthr.org

Smoking in Australia

Adult tobacco smoking prevalence is at 11% (with 9.3% of women and 12.9% of men).

Read articles from Australia

October 06, 2025 by aliveadvocacymovement.com

How Australia Got the Story of Tobacco Harm Reduction So Wrong

In Australia, tobacco harm reduction faces obstacles due to government policies and academic biases. Despite evidence supporting harm reduction, Australia bans regulated vaping products, leading to increased smoking rates. Academic advisors focus on fear campaigns, ignoring harm reduction benefits for smokers. The government's vaping ban causes chaos, pushing smokers towards black-market products. Australia's hypocritical stance penalizes adults trying to quit smoking, while profiting from tobacco sales. The closed-loop public health network disregards international research supporting harm reduction. To save lives, Australia needs transparency, evidence-based policies, and a shift towards harm reduction. Failure to change risks continued harm and moral victories at the expense of people's lives.

October 03, 2025 by gfn.tv

GFN25 Commentary Team #4 | Australia’s Vape Prohibition Backfire | Hosted by Fiona Patten

Australia’s vape prohibition is fueling a booming illicit market—while New Zealand’s regulated approach sees smoking rates fall faster. In this GFN 2025 conversation, Fiona Patten speaks with Rohan Pike and Asa Saligupta about what’s broken in tobacco control, what actually works in harm reduction.

September 26, 2025 by tga.gov.au

TGA and Victoria Police working together to target illegal vape sales in Melbourne

A two-day blitz on Chapel Street retailers by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police resulted in the seizure of over $40,000 worth of illegal vaping products and more than 24,000 nicotine pouches. Police also confiscated 110,000 illicit cigarettes, 40 kg of loose tobacco, and cash. The crackdown, part of the National Vaping Enforcement Framework, aims to combat the illegal supply of vaping goods and disrupt organised crime. The TGA emphasised the importance of protecting young people’s health, while Victoria Police highlighted that illicit tobacco profits often fund violent crimes such as arson, firearms use, and extortion.

September 26, 2025 by tga.gov.au

TGA and Victoria Police working together to target illegal vape sales in Melbourne

A two-day blitz on Chapel Street retailers by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police resulted in the seizure of over $40,000 worth of illegal vaping products and more than 24,000 nicotine pouches. Police also confiscated 110,000 illicit cigarettes, 40 kg of loose tobacco, and cash. The crackdown, part of the National Vaping Enforcement Framework, aims to combat the illegal supply of vaping goods and disrupt organised crime. The TGA emphasised the importance of protecting young people’s health, while Victoria Police highlighted that illicit tobacco profits often fund violent crimes such as arson, firearms use, and extortion.

September 26, 2025 by tga.gov.au

TGA and Victoria Police working together to target illegal vape sales in Melbourne

A two-day blitz on Chapel Street retailers by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police resulted in the seizure of over $40,000 worth of illegal vaping products and more than 24,000 nicotine pouches. Police also confiscated 110,000 illicit cigarettes, 40 kg of loose tobacco, and cash. The crackdown, part of the National Vaping Enforcement Framework, aims to combat the illegal supply of vaping goods and disrupt organised crime. The TGA emphasised the importance of protecting young people’s health, while Victoria Police highlighted that illicit tobacco profits often fund violent crimes such as arson, firearms use, and extortion.

September 03, 2025 by citynews.com.au

Seriously, it’s time to sort out cigarettes and vapes

The black market for cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes in Australia is growing and leading to violence. Despite high cigarette prices, illegal supplies are popular, with a significant black market presence. Vaping restrictions have not been successful, prompting increased vaping black market activities. The high cigarette excise has unintended negative consequences, with estimates of a $10 billion annual revenue loss for the government. New Zealand's successful approach to promoting safer nicotine options over cigarettes highlights Australia's failure in tobacco and vaping policies. Suggestions include reducing cigarette excise and increasing availability of safer nicotine products. The tobacco industry is shifting towards smoke-free products, which are becoming more profitable. Australia should consider following NZ's lead in tobacco harm reduction policies to combat the black market.

September 03, 2025 by vocal.media

Australia E-Cigarette Market: A Smoke-Free Future Gaining Momentum

Australia’s tobacco industry is shifting as more consumers turn to e-cigarettes. The e-cigarette market, valued at US$ 572.1 million in 2024, is projected to reach US$ 1,479.6 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.1%. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid containing nicotine and flavorings, simulating smoking without burning tobacco, thus avoiding tar and many harmful chemicals found in conventional cigarettes.

August 27, 2025 by 9news.com.au

TGA approves first treatment for nicotine vaping dependence in Australia

Australia's TGA approved Nicorette QuickMist as the first treatment for nicotine vaping addiction. About 1.7 million Australians vape, but many plan to quit. The product reduces withdrawal symptoms by delivering small nicotine doses. Clinical trials showed positive results, prompting TGA approval. Kenvue's Nadine Saraceno welcomed the decision and believes it will help many overcome their addiction.

August 26, 2025 by thr101.org

How Australia Is Failing People With Mental Illness Who Smoke

A new study published in Health Expectations is providing important insight into smoking cessation among people diagnosed with mental illness. The researchers set out to explore how individuals with mental health conditions experience tobacco use and quitting, why they smoke, what motivates them to stop, and what forms of support they find helpful or lacking. Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 adults in Queensland – all of whom had a mental health diagnosis and at least one quit attempt in the past five years – the study highlights the complex interplay between tobacco use, mental health, and recovery.

August 26, 2025 by thr101.org

How Australia Is Failing People With Mental Illness Who Smoke

A new study published in Health Expectations is providing important insight into smoking cessation among people diagnosed with mental illness. The researchers set out to explore how individuals with mental health conditions experience tobacco use and quitting, why they smoke, what motivates them to stop, and what forms of support they find helpful or lacking. Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 adults in Queensland – all of whom had a mental health diagnosis and at least one quit attempt in the past five years – the study highlights the complex interplay between tobacco use, mental health, and recovery.