Lexi Webster
Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Australia, killing an estimated 20,500 Australians annually. While the country has made significant strides in reducing smoking rates, with the proportion of adult smokers falling from 16.1% in 2011-12 to 10.1% in 2021-22, certain states and territories continue to grapple with higher smoking prevalence. The focus of this discussion is to delve into the data and uncover which Australian state has the highest concentration of smokers, shedding light on the geographical disparities in tobacco consumption within the country.
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What You'll Learn
Smoking rates among Australian adults
Smoking is one of the largest preventable causes of death and disease in Australia, causing about 20,500 deaths per year. The proportion of Australian adults who smoke daily has decreased over the last decade, from 16.1% in 2011-12 to 10.1% in 2021-22. This is one of the lowest smoking rates among OECD countries. The decrease in smoking rates may be due to Australia's strict anti-smoking laws, such as banning smoking in all public enclosed spaces, indoor workplaces, public transport, and some public outdoor spaces. The high cost of cigarettes in Australia may also be a factor, as a packet of cigarettes can cost upwards of 26 US dollars.
In 2022-23, 6.8% of Australian adults used vapes, up from 2.6% in 2019. The 18 to 24-year-old age group had the highest vaping rate at 20.6%, which is four times the rate in 2019. The use of e-cigarettes or vapes has been increasing in Australia, with 7% of the population considering themselves current users. However, there are health concerns around the use of vaping products, as one-third of vaping products containing nicotine did not comply with prohibited ingredient requirements during testing.
Certain characteristics are associated with a higher likelihood of being a daily smoker in Australia. These include being born in Australia, speaking English at home, being unemployed, living in outer regional and remote areas, reporting poor health, and living in areas of disadvantage. For example, 18.6% of unemployed people were current daily smokers in 2021-22, compared to 6.4% of those who reported their health as excellent or very good.
While the overall smoking rate in Australia has decreased, the illicit tobacco market has grown, with an estimated 28.6% of tobacco consumed in Australia in 2023 being illicit. This includes the use of unbranded loose tobacco, known as "chop-chop," which is sold illegally without government taxation and used by 9% of smokers in 2023.
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The dangers of smoking
According to recent statistics, the Australian state with the highest percentage of daily smokers is Tasmania, with 16.4% of its population engaging in daily smoking habits. This is concerning given the well-known dangers of smoking, which include a range of short- and long-term health effects.
Smoking is a dangerous habit that can lead to a multitude of health problems, some of which can be fatal. It is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, and the harmful effects of smoking tobacco are extensive and well-documented. The smoke from cigarettes contains over 7,000 chemicals, including harmful substances like nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. When smoked, these chemicals enter the bloodstream and can damage the body in numerous ways.
One of the most significant dangers of smoking is the increased risk of developing cancer. Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, but it also increases the likelihood of cancers in other parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, and cervix. The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the DNA in cells, disrupting their normal function and increasing the risk of uncontrolled cell growth, which leads to cancer.
Smoking also has detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. It increases the risk of heart disease, raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and can cause atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries). Smokers are more likely to suffer from a heart attack, angina, or a stroke, and the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked daily and the duration of smoking.
In addition, smoking can lead to serious respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions cause persistent coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, and they can severely impact a person's quality of life. Smoking also increases the risk of developing asthma and can make existing asthma worse, leading to more frequent and severe asthma attacks.
The harmful effects of smoking extend beyond the physical. Nicotine is highly addictive, and smoking can lead to dependence and serious mental health issues. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, and depression, and the constant craving for nicotine can impact a person's ability to concentrate and affect their mood and overall well-being.
It is important to recognize that there is no safe level of smoking, and even occasional smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful. However, quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health. The benefits of quitting start immediately and continue over time, reducing the risk of smoking-related diseases and improving overall health and quality of life.
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Anti-smoking laws in Australia
Australia has implemented various laws to curb smoking rates and tobacco-related harm in the country. Here is a detailed overview of the anti-smoking laws in Australia:
Tobacco Taxation and Excise Tax
The Australian government imposes a high excise tax on tobacco products, which is intended to reduce smoking rates by making cigarettes more expensive. This has led to an increase in the use of unbranded loose tobacco, or "chop-chop," which is sold illegally without government taxation and is a cheaper alternative for smokers.
Plain Packaging and Graphic Health Warnings
The Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011 mandates that all tobacco products must be sold in plain packaging. This means that packaging must be in a specific colour and cannot display logos, brand images, or promotional text. The packaging also includes graphic health warnings and text to inform smokers about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Restrictions on Tobacco Advertising and Promotion
The Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 restricts the advertising and promotion of regulated tobacco items. This includes restrictions on tobacco sponsorships, point-of-sale advertising, and the retail display of tobacco products. The Act also bans the advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes, similar to the restrictions on tobacco advertising.
Age Restrictions and Tobacco Sales to Minors
It is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18. The Tobacco Products Control Act (2006) prohibits the sale and supply of cigarettes to minors, and underage smokers commonly obtain cigarettes through retail markets, service stations, and vending machines. Some states allow the police to confiscate cigarettes from individuals who appear to be under the age of 18.
Smoke-Free Laws and Smoking Bans in Public Places
State and territory governments in Australia have implemented smoke-free laws and smoking bans in various public places. These laws vary across jurisdictions but generally include bans on smoking in enclosed public places, outdoor eating areas, near children's playgrounds, and in cars when minors are present. Some states, like Tasmania, have introduced total indoor smoking bans, while others have specific restrictions for licensed premises and schools.
Smoking in Prisons
Smoking in prisons has also come under scrutiny, with the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia implementing bans in all prisons. Western Australia has banned smoking in women's prisons and plans to do the same in men's prisons.
These anti-smoking laws in Australia aim to reduce smoking rates, protect individuals from second-hand smoke, and promote public health and safety. While there is no specific mention of which Australian state has the most smokers, these laws are intended to curb smoking prevalence across the nation.
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The rise of vaping
While the proportion of Australian adults who are daily smokers has decreased over the last decade, from 16.1% in 2011-12 to 10.1% in 2021-22, vaping is on the rise in the country. The latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) found that in 2022–23, 19.8% of people aged 14 and over reported using an e-cigarette at least once in their lifetime, with 7% reporting vaping in the past year. This is a notable increase from 2019, when 2.5% of people in this age group reported vaping in the previous year.
The rise in vaping is particularly significant among young people, with almost 1 in 10 18 to 24-year-olds reporting daily vaping in 2022-23. Teen use has also increased significantly, with 9.7% of teens aged 14-17 vaping in the past year, according to the NDSHS. An Australian schools survey found that 12.9% of teens aged 12-15 had vaped in the last month, and 22.1% of 16-17-year-olds. In 2022, 66% of survey participants aged 13-19 had tried vaping, and 14% of national survey respondents aged 15-30 reported currently using a vape.
This trend is concerning as vaping contributes to a range of health harms. While scientists and public health experts are still studying the effects of e-cigarettes, they do not consider them safe. Most e-cigarettes in Australia contain nicotine, a highly addictive and toxic drug that can harm brain development in young people and impact attention, learning, memory, and mood. Additionally, all e-cigarettes, even those without nicotine, can contain dangerous substances in the liquids and aerosol, including known carcinogens such as formaldehyde.
In response to the growing concern around youth vaping, the Australian government has implemented new laws to regulate e-cigarettes. From January 1, 2024, the importation of disposable vapes was banned, and as of March 1, 2024, a ban on the importation of all vapes, including rechargeables, without an import license and permit was put in place. Flavours are now restricted to mint, menthol, and tobacco, and plain pharmaceutical packaging is required. From October 1, 2024, therapeutic vapes to help people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence can be bought from pharmacies by those over 18 without a prescription. These changes aim to protect people, especially young Australians, from the harms of vaping and nicotine dependence, while also targeting the commercial and criminal supply of vapes.
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Smoking among Australian youth
Smoking is one of the largest preventable causes of death and disease in Australia. It is responsible for 8.6% of the total disease burden in Australia, including over 76% of the disease burden due to lung cancer, 73% of the COPD burden, and over 50% of the burden from oesophageal cancer. In 2018, almost 20,500 Australians died from tobacco use, accounting for 13% of all deaths.
The good news is that the proportion of adults who smoke daily has decreased over the last decade, from 16.1% in 2011-12 to 10.1% in 2021-22. This decrease is more pronounced among young people, with the proportion of people aged 18-44 who smoke daily almost halving in the same time period (from 18.5% to 10.1%).
Among secondary school students, the rate of smoking is relatively low. In 2017, 2.2% of students aged 12-14 were current smokers, with slightly more boys smoking than girls (2.6% vs 1.8%). The rate of smoking increased with age, with 3.6% of 14-year-olds smoking compared to 1.5% of 12-year-olds. The latest data from 2022-23 shows that among older students aged 16-17, the proportion who have never smoked increased from 68.6% to 79.6%.
Underage Australian students who smoke typically purchase cigarettes from retail markets, service stations, and vending machines. Single cigarettes are also commonly purchased by underage smokers, despite the illegality of individual sales. The Tobacco Products Control Act (2006) prohibits the sale and supply of cigarettes to minors.
The downward trend in smoking among adolescents is attributed to successful Australian tobacco control strategies and public health initiatives. These include the National Tobacco Campaign, increasing tobacco taxes, the introduction of smoke-free environments, and stricter enforcement of regulations relating to sales to minors.
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