Quit, Cancer Council Victoria and VicHealth put industry in the spotlight this World No Tobacco Day

Quit joins with Cancer Council Victoria and VicHealth this World No Tobacco Day (May 31) to draw attention to the ongoing harmful tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industries.

The World Health Organisation’s theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025 (WNTD) is “Unmasking the Appeal”. The theme serves as a reminder of harm caused by tobacco, non-therapeutic vaping and novel products such as nicotine pouches globally. It also reminds us of the powerful intent of nicotine industries desperate to find new customers to addict to their harmful products.  

It also reminds us of the powerful intent of nicotine industries desperate to find new customers to addict to their harmful products.

Rachael Andersen, Quit Director, said WNTD united the public health sector against industry manipulation.

“Every year World No Tobacco Day encourages us to reflect on our success in tackling industry influence, to come together and plan our important next steps. In Australia, we’re pleased to welcome the implementation of a ban on menthol and other additives coming into full effect 1 July.

“We know that menthol can make cigarettes more addictive.  Banning its use in tobacco products takes away one of the tools the industry uses to cover up just how harsh and painful the smoke from tobacco really is, especially when you consider that all tobacco products contain cancer-causing chemicals,” Andersen said.

Todd Harper AM, CEO Cancer Council Victoria, reflected on the human cost of industry tactics.

“On days like this I pause to think of the 66 Australian families[1] who lose a loved one to smoking-related illness every day. Despite our best efforts over many decades to drive down smoking prevalence, too many Australians still lose their lives. We’ll keep working together to combat industry tactics which undermine public health efforts,” Harper said.

Professor Anna Peeters AM, VicHealth CEO said WNTD is another opportunity to expose Big Tobacco’s use of dirty marketing tactics to hook a new generation.

“The tobacco and nicotine industries are using increasingly sophisticated strategies, especially through digital platforms, to influence behaviour and recruit new users, particularly young people. We’re working to unmask these tactics and create healthier environments where young people are less exposed to commercial influences that drive addiction and negative health impacts,” Prof. Peeters said.

Rachael Andersen reminded people that they were not alone if battling nicotine addiction, and nor were they to blame for the challenge they face.

“At Quit, we’re committed to continuing to lead work to put a stop to the industry’s relentless tactics peddling harmful products, and we will continue to offer support and advice to those who vape or smoke to quit via Quitline and quit.org.au,” Andersen concluded.