There are many laws relevant to tobacco and smoking in Australia. These include:

Minimum purchasing age laws mean that it is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to people under the age of 18. In some states, if you are under 18 the police can confiscate any tobacco products you have.

Smoke-free laws are mainly administered at the state/territory level. In all states and territories, it is illegal to smoke in enclosed public spaces (e.g., public transport, office buildings, shopping malls, schools, cinemas, airports), or in a car when a minor is inside. Jurisdictions differ in the extent to which smoking is allowed outdoors.

Advertising laws The Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 prohibits most advertising and promotion of tobacco products.

Packaging laws mean that all tobacco products must be sold in plain packaging, without logos, brand images, or promotional text, and must display health warnings.

Smokeless tobacco laws mean that it is illegal to commercially import or sell smokeless tobacco products (e.g., oral snuff, tobacco paste and powder, chewing tobacco).

Current information about Australia’s tobacco laws can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website.