The number of smokers in Western Australia has risen since 2022.
According to the state Health Department’s annual report, 12% of the population were smokers in 2024/25, up from 10% in 2022/23.
The Opposition said it was the first increase in smokers in 30 years, saying the Government had failed to curb the sale of illegal tobacco.
The WA Cancer Council also said the Government “needs to look seriously” at the supply of tobacco in the state.
Smoking
WA Premier Roger Cook downplayed the rise in smoking rates, telling reporters on Monday the increase was due to “people coming to Western Australia from overseas, in record numbers.”
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The state’s Health Department says it has cracked down on the illegal tobacco market since 2024, seizing more than 460,000 cigarettes and 190,000 vapes.
Response
WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has called for a crackdown on the state’s “exploding” illicit tobacco market.
Cancer Council WA also called for legal reform.
“Tobacco is more available than bread and milk… the WA Government needs to look seriously at markedly reducing the oversupply of tobacco in our state,” Campaign Manager Libby Jardine said.
