The full picture: a decade of smoking in Australia

Original article by Roy Morgan
Market Research Update – Page: Online : 9-Jul-25

The latest data from Roy Morgan shows that 17.4% of Australians aged 18+ smoke or vape; this includes 12.1% who smoke Factory Made Cigarettes (FMCs) or Roll-Your-Own (RYO) Cigarettes (8.4% FMC & 5.3% RYO) and 7.5% who vape. Overall, this is virtually unchanged over the last decade; in 2014, 17.7% smoked either FMC, RYO, pipe or cigars. However, since 2014, the composition of smoking/vaping has changed with both vaping and illicit tobacco more widespread. In 2018, when Roy Morgan first began asking people about their use of e-cigarettes, the incidence was less than 2%. Over the next few years, the incidence of vaping increased steadily to reach a high of 8.3% in the 12 months to December 2023 (and now at 7.5% in the 12 months to June 2025). Meanwhile, illicit tobacco usage was first measured by Roy Morgan in 2020 when the incidence was less than 2% (given this is self-reporting of an illegal activity, it is likely under-reported). Since then, the use of illicit tobacco has steadily increased to 4.8% of Australians 18+. Smoking illicit tobacco is included in the FMC/RYO incidence and, as such, is contributing to the continued smoking rates of FMC/RYO hovering just over 12%.

CORPORATES
ROY MORGAN LIMITED

Smoking increases among young Australians since vaping sales ban in 2024

Original article by Roy Morgan
Market Research Update – Page: Online : 2-Jul-25

The latest data from Roy Morgan shows that the proportion of Australians aged 18+ smoking Factory Made Cigarettes (FMCs), Roll-Your-Own Cigarettes (RYO) or vaping bottomed at 16.8% (3.59 million) in the year to December 2024. Since then, the incidence of Australians smoking (or vaping) has increased to 17.1% (3.7 million), an increase of 0.3% points (+110,000). Driving the increase has been increased smoking rates of (FMCs), which has increased from 7.9% (1.67 million) to 8.3% (1.79 million), an increase of 0.4% points (+120,000). Meanwhile, legislation banning the sale of disposable single-use and non-therapeutic vapes in mid-2024 has had only a small impact on overall vaping rates, which are now at 7.5% of the population (1.61 million), down by only 0.2% points (-40,000) since the year to September 2024. Despite the legislation, 20.5% (510,000) of 18-24yr olds now vape, up from a low of 19% (470,000) in the year to September 2024; this is an increase of 1.5% points (+40,000) in less than a year.

CORPORATES
ROY MORGAN LIMITED

Older Australians are using more drugs while more teens just say ‘no’

Original article by Rachael Eddie
The New Daily – Page: Online : 1-Jun-17

The 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey has revealed a two per cent increase in the number of Australians over the age of 40 using illicit drugs since 2013. The survey was undertaken by Roy Morgan Research on behalf of the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare. Julie Rae from the Australian Drug Foundation suggests thar the need to cope with stress could be one of the reasons for the increase. The survey also found that 98 per cent of teenagers have never smoked, up from 95 per cent in 2013, while the percentage of all Australians who have never smoked rose from 60 per cent in 2013 to 62 per cent in 2016.

CORPORATES
ROY MORGAN RESEARCH LIMITED, AUSTRALIAN DRUG FOUNDATION, AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND WELFARE

A litany of the nation’s bad habits

Original article by Dan Harrison
The Age – Page: 10 : 25-Nov-14

Using data from the "National Drug Strategy Household Survey" conducted in the second half of calendar 2013, the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare has issued its latest snapshot of harmful behaviour. Over 40% of Australians drink excessive amounts of alcohol, smoke cigarettes on a daily basis or consume illegal drugs. The rates are 100% higher in remote regions. Smoking is more prevalent among the poor and Aborigines, while alcohol abuse is more common among the rich

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND WELFARE