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After falling for decades, the smoking rate is now rising, experts fear.

Australia’s smoking rates fell for decades. But that’s changed – and here’s why

Early evidence suggests the flood of cheap cigarettes could have pushed Australia’s smoking rates up for the first time since the 1990s.

  • Marta Pascual Juanola

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Police Minister Reece Whitby, Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Meredith Hammat.

Sweeping reforms announced to stamp out WA’s ‘tobacco thugs’

New laws would see the maximum penalty for possession of a large commercial quantity of illicit tobacco and vapes increased to $4.2 million for an individual or $21 million for a company, and 15 years jail.

  • Holly Thompson
Keen ocean swimmer Andrew Camfield battled stage 3 melanoma after spending his youth at the beach.

The 30 lifestyle factors linked to almost 40 per cent of all new cancer cases

Andrew Camfield rarely wore sunscreen growing up on Sydney’s beaches. After several cancer scares and years of treatment, this is what he does now.

  • Angus Thomson
Raids in WA’s South West have seized tens of thousands of illegal cigarettes and more than 20 kilograms of loose tobacco. Picture: WA Police/WA Health

Tobacco tsar’s warning after WA raids seize tens of thousands of illegal smokes

Superintendent Steve Post says an operation in WA’s South West that seized illegal cigarettes and tobacco products should be considered the new norm for tobacco compliance.

  • Cameron Myles

Albanese loves to ban things. But PM, your prohibition fixation’s not working

Banning things doesn’t mean that the forbidden thing goes away. The prime minister should realise that by now.

  • Parnell Palme McGuinness
A tobacconist on the Pacific Highway at St Leonards is among dozens shuttered by inspectors.

Planning change a needed weapon against illegal tobacco trade

Government raids on the tobacco shops is a start, but more weapons are needed.

  • The Herald's View
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Every second cigarette in Australia is now illegal

The nation’s illicit tobacco commissioner has revealed the illegal trade is costing taxpayers up to $11.8 billion a year as it fuels organised crime.

  • Shane Wright
Alibarbar vapes contain toxic chemicals and dangerous levels of nicotine.

Formaldehyde and antifreeze: What’s inside one of the most popular illegal vapes in Australia

Alibarbar, one of the most popular vape brands in Australia, despite being illegal, has potentially dangerous levels of nicotine and toxic contaminants.

  • Chris Vedelago
Education and Preventative health Minister Sabine Winton.

Preventative Health Minister opens up about smoking addiction as illegal tobacco rates soar

Winton’s smoking has been thrust into the debate around smoking in the state after it was revealed smoking rates increased for the first time in 30 years last financial year.

  • Hamish Hastie
The Australian Border Force officers are seen checking illegal cigarette imports found in shipping containers in Melbourne.

Australia goes global in fight against illegal tobacco

Spiralling black market cigarette sales have punched a major hole in the nation’s federal budget and led to firebombings in Sydney and Melbourne.

  • Paul Sakkal