Australia's smoking rates declining

Smoking and vaping rates are declining or stable, according to the 2025 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s long-running comprehensive study on smoking, vaping and drug use, the National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

Daily smoking rates among people aged over 18 years or more have fallen to a historic low of 5.8 per cent, well below the government’s 2025 target of 10 per cent. This represents 500,000 fewer daily smokers than three years ago.

When we take into account younger Australians, only 5.6 per cent of all people aged over 14 years are smoking daily, down from 8.3 per cent in 2022-2023.

After years of rising vape use among Australians 14 and over, for the first time ever, the daily vaping rate has stabilised at 3.6 per cent in 2025. The proportion of current vape users has lowered to 6 per cent in 2025, compared to the 7 per cent reported in 2022-23.

The survey found past year use of any nicotine product fell to 15.2 per cent in 2025, the lowest level recorded.

The AIHW survey has long been considered a gold standard source of data on smoking, vaping and drug use.

While daily smoking rates are falling, the survey also found the way Australians use nicotine are changing, with the number of people reporting using three or more different nicotine products increasing.

The Albanese Government is also taking action to protect Australians from a new wave of nicotine addition, with tougher restrictions for nicotine pouches.

From 24 July 2026 nicotine pouches will no longer be accessible to individuals through unapproved therapeutic goods pathways such as the Special Access Scheme, Authorised Prescribers Scheme and the Personal Importation Scheme. It will no longer be possible for individuals to import nicotine pouches, even if they have a prescription.

The government continues to pursue enforcement activities to tackle the illegal trade in tobacco, vaping and nicotine products which are a threat to Australia’s hard-won gains to protect people from smoking, vaping and nicotine harms.

Tobacco remains the leading cause of premature death in Australia, taking the lives of more than 24,000 people each year.

The early insights are available on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s website.

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“These results show our world-leading vaping reforms are making a difference, but we know there is still more work to be done to protect Australians from the harms of smoking and vaping.

“For decades, we have known the dangers of tobacco on people’s long-term health. With fewer Australians engaged in daily smoking, we are creating a healthier Australia.

“Nicotine pouches are creating a new generation of nicotine dependency in our community. These reforms are about protecting young people and stopping the illicit market profiting from nicotine addiction in our communities.

“Anyone unlawfully selling nicotine pouches in Australia has been put on notice. The Australian Government is committed to protecting the community from the harms of nicotine pouches and regulatory and enforcement action will be strong and ongoing.

“Anyone seeking help to quit smoking or vaping can call the Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848), visit quit.org.au, or download the free My QuitBuddy app.”