Smoking Rates Among Australian Adults Decline in Last Decade.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 1 in 10 adults (approximately 1.9 million people) have been identified as regular daily smokers of one or more cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes.

Overall, the proportion of adults who smoke daily has decreased over the past decade, dropping from 16.1% in 2011-2012 to 10% in 2021.

People aged 18 to 44 report that the proportion of daily smokers has almost halved.

The average age of those identified as daily smokers has increased nationwide.

In 2021, the average age for smoking is 46, which is higher than 42 a decade ago.

The daily number of smokers has decreased in all age groups except for those aged between 55-64 and those aged 65 and above.

During the same period, the proportion of young people aged 18 to 24 who smoke daily has decreased by half, from 16.5% in 2011-2012 to 7.1% in 2021-22.

In the 2021-2022 school year, the majority of young people between the ages of 15 and 17 (96.8%) are currently non-smokers, which is higher than the rate of 94.2% from a decade ago.

However, the analysis excluded people who use electronic cigarettes (including vaping), smokeless tobacco, and non-tobacco smoking products.

It has been found that men are more likely than women to be current daily smokers, with a prevalence of 12% compared to 8.2%.

In statistical terms, adults born in Australia are more likely to smoke. Nearly one-fifth (18.6%) of unemployed individuals currently smoke on a daily basis.

Overall, the smoking population in these areas has decreased from 23.4% to 16.1% per day as of 2021-2022.

2FIRSTS will continue to track and report on this topic, with updates to be found on the '2FIRSTS APP'. Scan the QR code below to download the app.