In a striking development, Australia’s daily smoking rate among individuals aged 14 and over has plummeted to an unprecedented low of 5.6% in 2025, as revealed by the most recent National Drug Strategy Household Survey. This significant drop from 8.3% in the 2022–23 period positions the nation on the cusp of achieving its ambitious goal of reducing daily smoking rates to 5% or less by the year 2030.
The survey also disclosed that an impressive majority, over two-thirds of Australians aged 14 and above, have never engaged in smoking. This marks the highest record of non-smokers within this demographic to date. Despite the promising trend in smoking reduction, the survey highlighted a concerning rise in the consumption of illicit tobacco products. Approximately 34% of current smokers admitted to using illicit tobacco, a noticeable increase from the 16.7% reported in the previous survey. Notably, more than half of these users reported purchasing illicit tobacco from tobacconists.
Meanwhile, overall nicotine consumption has seen a decline, decreasing from 17.4% to 15.2%. In particular, vaping among younger adults aged 18 to 24 experienced a significant reduction, falling from 20.6% to 14%. However, the survey also noted a growing trend in the use of nicotine pouches and snus among younger Australians, indicating shifting preferences in nicotine consumption methods.
Public health experts have responded to these findings by emphasizing the ongoing necessity for robust enforcement measures against the trade and use of illicit tobacco. They advocate for continued tobacco control initiatives, which include public education campaigns, reforms in licensing, and stringent restrictions on tobacco sales. The experts suggest that these measures are crucial in maintaining the momentum of reducing smoking rates and addressing the challenges posed by illicit tobacco use in the country.