It’s time for a new approach to quit smoking, once and for all
May 28, 2026 by medicalrepublic.com.au
It’s time for a new approach to quit smoking, once and for all
Australia’s smoking cessation strategy is facing renewed scrutiny as experts call for a more pragmatic approach to helping smokers quit. Critics argue that current policy has become too restrictive, particularly around vaping, while combustible cigarettes and illicit tobacco remain widely available. The debate highlights growing concern that limiting access to lower-risk nicotine alternatives may undermine cessation efforts for people who have not succeeded with conventional methods. Questions remain over whether Australia’s public health framework can better balance prevention, medical support, harm reduction and real-world smoker behaviour.
11.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.4 million current smokers in Australia 12.90% of men are current smokers but only 9.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
