Smoking Hits Record Low While Australia Tightens Nicotine Rules
17 Jul 2026
According to the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) National Drug Strategy Household Survey, only 5.6% of Australians aged 14 and over smoked every day in 2025. The figure has dropped significantly over the past two decades, falling from 19.5% in 2001 and 8.3% in 2022–23.
The findings suggest Australia remains on track to meet its national goal of reducing daily smoking to 5% by 2030.
While cigarette smoking continues to decline, nicotine products are changing. The survey found that daily vaping remained stable at 3.6% in 2025 following recent changes to Australia's vaping laws. However, health authorities are becoming increasingly concerned about the growing use of nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, especially among younger people.
To respond to this trend, the Australian Government will introduce tougher restrictions from 24 July 2026. The new rules will prevent individuals from importing nicotine pouches or accessing them through unapproved therapeutic pathways, even if they hold a prescription.
Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the reforms are designed to reduce nicotine dependence and stop illegal suppliers from targeting Australian communities.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said the updated regulations will strengthen enforcement against unlawful imports and sales while maintaining access to approved treatments that help people quit smoking.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the decline in smoking reflects years of public health efforts and the ongoing contribution of GPs. He said general practitioners continue to support patients by offering personalised quit-smoking advice, treatment options and referrals when extra support is needed.
The report also highlighted the continued presence of illicit tobacco. Around one in three Australians who currently smoke said they had recently used illegal tobacco products, showing that the illicit market remains a significant challenge despite falling smoking rates.
Cancer Council Australia said Australia's comprehensive tobacco control measures—including plain packaging, tobacco taxation, advertising restrictions and health education—have played a major role in reducing smoking and improving public health.
Smoking Hits Record Low While Australia Tightens Nicotine Rules
Source: newsGP