Smoking - a leading cause of cardiovascular death and disease - has declined to record lows because of Australia's tough tobacco regulations.
Existing smokers are increasingly buying illicit tobacco. Cheaper product only encourages consumption and will not deal with the organised crime problem.
Recent vaping restrictions seem to be working, and we applaud the Australian Government for a similar announcement today to curb availability and access to nicotine pouches.
Friday, 17th July, 2026
Smoking rates fall to historic low as new data proves enforcement is the clear way forward to dealing with illicit tobacco and nicotine
New national survey data shows smoking in Australia has dropped to an historic low, with just 5.6% of people aged 14 and over smoking daily – a reduction of 2.7% since 2022-23.
New data from the 2025 National Drug Strategy Household Survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare confirms the sharp decline in what is a vindication for decades of tobacco control measures that have helped to drive down smoking and save people from a premature cardiovascular death.
The result puts Australia within reach of its national target of reducing daily smoking to 5% or less by 2030.
Heart Foundation Chief Medical Adviser, Professor Garry Jennings AO, said this proved that decades of world-leading tobacco regulations were having an impact.
“Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and death. Seeing the number of people who smoke fall to record lows is a win for preventive health and a reminder that we must fight hard to keep it low,” Professor Jennings said.
Vaping measures working
Professor Jennings said strict measures to limit the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes advocated for by the health sector and implemented by the Australian Government had also played a vital role in the declining use of e-cigarettes among 18- to 24-year-olds.
E-cigarette use among 18 to 24-year-olds fell from 20.6% in 2022-23 to 14% in 2025 and daily use remained stable.
“While e-cigarette use among all Australians has stabilised, it is pleasing to see a sharp decrease among younger people due to the fact that commercial vaping products are now harder to obtain,” he said.
Heart Foundation commends Australian Government action on nicotine pouches
The Heart Foundation welcomes action from the Australian Government, announced by Health Minister Mark Butler today, to curb access to nicotine pouches through closing TGA pathways for unapproved therapeutics that can be used to access them.
Oral nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular, providing people another pathway to nicotine addiction.
Professor Jennings said the Australian Government’s actions would help to keep younger people safe from nicotine addiction.
“Our concern is that once a person develops a nicotine addiction, they would likely seek other ways to satisfy the urge, be it a pouch, a vape or a cigarette – so the Australian Government announcement today is step in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, the new data slams the door shut on Big Tobacco’s argument for lowering the tobacco excise to stop illicit trade
According to the new AIHW report, use of illicit tobacco products by people who currently smoke jumped from 16.7% in 2022-23 to 34% in 2025.
Professor Jennings said that pro-tobacco arguments to reduce the excise on tobacco products and make them cheaper would not deal with the organised crime problem.
“Whether it’s from a regulated or illicit source, these data continue to show that cheaper tobacco products only encourage those who already smoke to continue to do so,” he said.
“Any argument to lower the excise on tobacco products is simply a false argument at the expense of the health and safety of people in Australia.”
Professor Jennings called for stronger enforcement by governments to detect and remove illicit products.
“The new AIHW data clearly shows that making these products less available and harder to obtain is what drives down tobacco and nicotine use rates. We need to protect this position from industry influence, otherwise we risk undoing decades of the hard work,” he said.
“We are now at the point where illicit products are mainly a matter of effective enforcement.
“We’re urging governments to step up enforcement activity and limit the number of outlets that sell nicotine products and make sure that people who want to quit are supported to do so.”
For those looking to quit smoking or vaping, visit quit.org.au or call 13 78 48 for free confidential advice and support.
ENDS
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Shaun Inguanzo
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