Most Australians Want Better Access to Smoking and Vaping Cessation Support
04 Nov 2026
Commissioned by Lung Foundation Australia, the survey found that 79% of adults support free access to evidence-based treatments and professional help for people who use tobacco, e-cigarettes or other nicotine products.
The findings also showed that 74% believe combining tobacco control measures with better quitting support is more effective at reducing smoking rates than relying on restrictions alone.
Overall, 85% of respondents supported increased assistance for people trying to quit smoking and vaping, while 80% said helping people quit was essential to creating a tobacco- and vape-free generation.
Australians also identified several important forms of support that could help people stop smoking and vaping. These included:
- Healthcare professional advice (88%).
- Behavioural support, including Quitline and counselling services (87%).
- Free quitting treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other approved medicines (87%).
- Education campaigns about the health risks of smoking and vaping (86%).
- Government subsidies to reduce the cost of quitting treatments (84%).
- Digital tools and online resources to support quitting (84%).
Lung Foundation Australia Chief Executive Officer Mark Brooke said the findings showed that governments needed to make quitting assistance a key part of tobacco and vaping policies.
He said stronger regulations should be supported by practical help, ensuring that treatment costs and limited access do not prevent people from quitting.
The foundation is calling for free nicotine replacement therapy and evidence-based smoking cessation medicines for people taking part in counselling, alongside more accessible support services.
Richard, a Lung Foundation Australia consumer, highlighted the importance of affordable nicotine replacement therapy for people trying to overcome addiction.
He said affordable treatments could help people manage cravings, withdrawal symptoms and lifestyle changes without placing additional pressure on their finances.
Associate Professor Henry Marshall, a thoracic physician at The Prince Charles Hospital and research fellow at The University of Queensland Thoracic Research Centre, said nicotine dependence should be treated as a health issue.
He explained that quitting can take several attempts and may require different types of support. Making professional advice and proven treatments easier to access could help remove barriers and give people more options.
Professor Michelle Jongenelis from the University of Melbourne also raised concerns about the cost of quitting assistance. She said expensive treatments could discourage people who were ready to stop smoking, despite their motivation to change.
Lung Foundation Australia is urging governments to provide free nicotine replacement therapy and cessation medicines for people receiving support to quit smoking, vaping and other nicotine products.
It is also calling for better access to Quitline services, including digital and online chat options to support young people and other priority groups.
Survey details: YouGov surveyed 3,551 Australian voters online between 2 June and 6 July 2026.
Most Australians Want Better Access to Smoking and Vaping Cessation Support
Source: Lung Foundation Australia – YouGov Survey Report