Lung Foundation Australia, a member of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH), has welcomed the release of ACOSH’s National Illicit Tobacco Ladder, backing it as a critical step in holding governments accountable and strengthening action against illicit tobacco.
The national ranking shows Queensland (76%) and South Australia (67%) leading the country with strong enforcement and clear political will, setting the benchmark for others to follow.
However, the results reveal a concerning gap across the rest of the country, with New South Wales (48%), Western Australia (46%), Victoria (40%), Tasmania (36%), the ACT (26%) and the Northern Territory trailing behind.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the ladder sends a clear message: strong action works, but it’s not happening everywhere.
“Queensland and South Australia are showing what’s possible when governments back tough laws with real enforcement. They’ve set the standard,” Mr Brooke said.
“But across the country, we’re still seeing a patchwork response and that’s leaving the door open for illegal tobacco to thrive.”
Despite decades of progress in tobacco control, the rise of illicit tobacco and vaping products is undermining public health gains and increasing the risk of smoking uptake, particularly among young people.
“Illicit tobacco is not just a law enforcement issue, it’s a direct threat to public health,” Mr Brooke said.
“Cheap, untaxed and widely available products make it easier to start, harder to quit, and risk undoing years of progress.”
Mr Brooke said Lung Foundation Australia’s advocacy is driven by the devastating, irreversible impact tobacco has on lung health.
“Every cigarette damages the lungs. It destroys healthy tissue, reduces lung capacity and, over time, can take away something most of us never think about, the simple ability to breathe,” he said.
“Our lungs give us the gift of breath, and tobacco can take that gift away. No one should lose their ability to breathe because harmful, illegal products are allowed to circulate in our communities.”
The National Illicit Tobacco Ladder assesses how effectively governments are controlling supply chains, enforcing laws, applying penalties and demonstrating political commitment.
Lung Foundation Australia is calling on all jurisdictions to strengthen legislation, increase enforcement capacity and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to illegal operators and to reduce the number of stores allowed to sell.
“We know what works, stronger laws, more boots on the ground and penalties that actually hurt,” Mr Brooke said.
“Every state and territory could climb this ladder. The question is whether they’re willing to act.”
Support to quit smoking is available through Quitline on 13 78 48 or via Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Health Helpline on 1800 654 301 (option 2) to speak to one of our qualified nurses.
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