Australian Smoking Rates: 11% in 2018, Continuing Long-Term Decline

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Health Survey 2017–18, 11% of Australians aged 14+ were daily smokers—down from 24% in 1991 and 16% in 2011–12.

Key Demographics (2017–18)

Policy Drivers of Decline

• Plain packaging (2012 — world first)
• Excise increases — 12.5% annually (2013–2020), then CPI-indexed — pack >$40
• Graphic warnings (2006, expanded 2012)
• Advertising bans — comprehensive (1992+)
• Smoke-free laws — indoor, outdoor dining, cars with children
• Mass media campaigns — "Every cigarette is doing you damage"
• Vaping restrictions — prescription-only nicotine (2021)

Current Context (Post-2018)

• 2022–23 NDSHS: ~8.3% daily smokers (14+) — further decline
• Vaping surge: 7%+ current use (14+), 21% (18–24) — policy challenge
• Target: <5% by 2030 (National Tobacco Strategy)
• Global standing: Among lowest OECD rates (Sweden ~6% with snus)

Persistent Disparities

The 37% Indigenous rate (unchanged for decades) and socioeconomic gradient reveal that tobacco control wins overall but fails the most vulnerable. Targeted, community-led approaches (Tackling Indigenous Smoking program) show promise but need scale.

Australia's tobacco control is a public health success story—but the final miles are the hardest, and equity gaps remain the central challenge.