The campaign calls on Australians to support increasing the minimum purchasing age for tobacco products to 21 years across all states and territories (T21). The community needs to fight tobacco complacency and remind governments that more can be done to prevent future generations from becoming addicted to smoking.

Australia has traditionally led the way in the fight against smoking. Our tobacco reforms have become global standards adopted by other nations, from plain packaging to restrictions on advertising at the point of sale. We need to keep up the pressure.

A Tobacco21 bill is due to be read for a second time in Tasmania’s Parliament this February. If the bill passes it will lead the way for further legislation across the country.

Tobacco21 gives a voice to Australians who stand against tobacco, encouraging people to demand direct action from governments around the country. Through public campaigning we bring the facts about smoking regulation to the broader public, including the latest research from around the world and written position statements from health organisations such as the Australian Medical Association and Cancer Council. Together, we can encourage governments to take the next step in stamping out smoking.

Lifting the minimum purchasing age to 21 years is a proven tobacco control mechanism implemented in a range of global jurisdictions from California to Singapore. It has a dramatic effect on youth smoking rates and limits the flow of cigarettes to underage peers. Our polling shows that over 75 per cent of Australians support the measure, including the majority of smokers and young people. Young people represent 95 per cent of the new customers of tobacco companies, and it’s time to work together to stop smoking before it starts.