Queensland is leading Australia’s fight against illicit tobacco. Should other states follow suit?
October 08, 2026 by theconversation.com
Queensland is leading Australia’s fight against illicit tobacco. Should other states follow suit?
Queensland’s enforcement blitz shows that illicit tobacco markets can be disrupted when store closures, serious fines and landlord accountability are used together. The reported rise in legal tobacco sales and doubling of Quitline calls suggest that enforcement can move consumers back into visible channels and prompt interest in quitting. But the measure of success should not be tax-compliant cigarette sales alone. Australia should pair stronger action against illegal supply with expanded cessation support, free nicotine replacement therapy and access to lower-risk alternatives, so the end result is fewer people smoking — not just more people buying cigarettes legally.
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
