Australia is getting very close to turning into one of the world’s lowest-smoking countries, with smoking habits among young people continuing to decline.

Latest figures indicate that smoking rates have fallen significantly over the past two years, bringing the country within reach of its target of reducing smoking to below five percent by 2030.

While high tobacco taxes are often credited as the primary driver of this success, the story appears to be more complex. Among younger Australians, smoking has increasingly lost its social appeal. What was once viewed as fashionable or rebellious is now widely regarded as ‘’gross’’, outdated and undesirable. This cultural shift has weakened peer pressure to smoke and, in many cases, replaced it with social pressure not to smoke or vape.

Australia’s long-term public health measures have likely contributed to this change. Graphic health warnings, plain packaging, restrictions on tobacco advertising, smoke-free public spaces, and sustained education campaigns have helped reshape public perceptions of smoking. Together, these initiatives have made tobacco use less visible, less attractive, and less socially acceptable.

At the same time, the country’s high tobacco taxes remain a subject of debate. Although they discourage many people from purchasing cigarettes, they have also been linked to the growth of an illegal tobacco market, creating challenges for law enforcement and border security. Tackling illicit tobacco sales through stronger enforcement and tighter border controls remains an important priority.

Australia’s progress demonstrates that reducing smoking requires more than increasing prices alone. Lasting success comes from changing attitudes, reinforcing healthy social norms, and supporting effective public health policies. By continuing to address both demand and illegal supply, Australia is well positioned to achieve its smoke-free ambitions and provide a model for other countries seeking to reduce tobacco use.