Tasmanians aged 12 and over who want to quit smoking or vaping can now access free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges, with QuitTas expanding its free nicotine replacement therapy program.
QuitTas launched the program through the Tasmanian Quitline in July last year, initially offering free nicotine replacement products to priority groups. It has now been expanded to make the products available more widely.
The original priority groups included people aged 12 to 25, new and expecting parents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those eligible for a national lung cancer screening program.
QuitTas director Abby Smith said eligible Tasmanians could access free combination nicotine replacement therapy, known as NRT.
“This can include nicotine patches plus gum or lozenges through the Tasmanian Quitline, with the program now expanded to include all Tasmanians aged 12 years and over, where clinically appropriate,” she said.
The expansion is supported by the Tasmanian government. QuitTas said it removed costs of up to $100 a month for quitting products, which can help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and make people more likely to stop.
Smith said the change came at an important time, as concerns about smoking, vaping and illicit tobacco and nicotine products continued to grow.
“This expansion reflects a shared commitment to reducing harm caused by smoking and vaping,” she said.
“We are thrilled to be able to help more Tasmanians access proven quit support when they’re ready to make a quit attempt.”
People were more likely to quit successfully when they combined behavioural support, such as the Quitline, with quitting products like NRT, she said.
Since the program launched in July 2025, it has supported more than 200 Tasmanians. QuitTas said more than 35% of participants were aged 12 to 25.
“The strong uptake we’ve seen, particularly among young Tasmanians, shows there is real demand for free, accessible, evidence-based support to quit smoking and vaping,” Smith said.
