Australia has achieved a significant milestone in its public health efforts, with the daily smoking rate among individuals aged 14 and over dropping to an unprecedented low of 5.6% in 2025. This data, drawn from the latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey, marks a notable decrease from the 8.3% recorded in 2022–23, bringing the country remarkably close to its goal of reducing daily smoking rates to 5% or below by the year 2030.
Encouragingly, the survey also revealed that over two-thirds of Australians aged 14 and above have never engaged in smoking, marking the highest level of non-smokers recorded in the nation to date. This trend underscores the effectiveness of ongoing public health campaigns aimed at reducing smoking prevalence and promoting healthier lifestyles among Australians.
However, the survey highlights a growing concern with the rise in the use of illicit tobacco, as approximately 34% of smokers reported turning to illegal sources, a significant increase from the 16.7% noted in the previous survey. Among those purchasing illicit tobacco, more than half indicated they had obtained it from tobacconists, suggesting an area that may require targeted regulatory interventions.
In terms of overall nicotine consumption, there has been a decline from 17.4% to 15.2%. Vaping, particularly among the 18 to 24 age group, saw a reduction from 20.6% to 14%. Nevertheless, the survey pointed to an emerging trend of increased use of nicotine pouches and snus among younger Australians, indicating shifting preferences in nicotine products.
Public health authorities have emphasized the importance of these findings, advocating for stronger measures to combat the illicit tobacco market. They stress the continuation of tobacco control strategies, including public education initiatives, licensing reforms, and stricter regulations on tobacco sales, to sustain the progress made in reducing smoking rates and to address the challenges posed by alternative nicotine products.
