Quit Tasmania has celebrated three decades of anti-smoking work while warning that vaping and illicit tobacco are creating new challenges for public health.
The organisation has helped slash adult smoking rates from 25.5% in 1995 to 13.5% in 2022.
Youth smoking has plummeted even further, dropping from 25.3% in 1996 to just 3.5% last year.
Director Abby Smith said the anniversary would help launch a refreshed brand and new website to help Tasmanians quit all nicotine products.
“The milestone brought together politicians, health leaders, researchers, community partners, and past and present Quit staff to reflect on what has been achieved, and what must come next,” she said.
Smith said progress wasn’t guaranteed with rapidly changing nicotine products entering the market.
“Quit Tasmania has played a critical role in supporting tens of thousands of Tasmanians to quit smoking,” she said.
The service has delivered an estimated 144,000 counselling calls through the Quitline and distributed 55,000 quit packs over the 30 years.
Cancer Council Tasmania CEO Alison Lai said Quit Tasmania remained crucial to their mission of reducing cancer impact across the state.
“30 years on, the lesson is clear – progress comes from sustained effort and investment in what we know works,” she said.
The organisation launched in March 1995 under then-Liberal health minister Roger Groom.
Its campaigns now run 36 weeks annually, including the award-winning “Don’t Let Vaping In” youth campaign.
Smith said tackling new threats required strengthening licensing standards and changing how tobacco is sold in Tasmania.
“Tobacco remains available in more retail businesses than many everyday essentials and that is not consistent with a lethal, addictive product,” she said.
“Tobacco smoking kills two in three long-term users, taking the lives of 500 Tasmanians every year.”
Tasmanians seeking support can visit quittas.org.au, text QUITVAPE to 0447 987 230, or call 13 7848.
