Australia has achieved a significant milestone in reducing its daily smoking rate, which has dropped to a record low of 5.6% among those aged 14 and older in 2025. This decline, highlighted in the latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey, shows a marked decrease from 8.3% in 2022-23, bringing the nation closer to its goal of reducing daily smoking to 5% or less by 2030.
In addition to the decrease in smoking rates, the survey revealed that over two-thirds of Australians aged 14 and above have never smoked, reaching the highest level recorded. This positive trend, however, is offset by a rise in the use of illicit tobacco, with 34% of smokers admitting to using it, a noticeable increase from 16.7% reported in the previous survey. Most of these purchases were made through tobacconists.
While the overall use of nicotine products has also decreased, falling from 17.4% to 15.2%, there is a concerning trend in the form of nicotine pouches and snus gaining popularity among younger Australians. Furthermore, vaping among individuals aged 18 to 24 has seen a decline, dropping from 20.6% to 14%, indicating a shift in the patterns of nicotine consumption.
Public health experts emphasize that these findings underscore the importance of reinforcing measures against illicit tobacco. They advocate for stronger enforcement alongside continued tobacco control strategies, including public education initiatives, licensing reforms, and tighter restrictions on tobacco sales, to sustain the progress achieved in reducing smoking rates.