Tasmania Offers Free Nicotine Patches to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking or vaping just got easier for thousands of Tasmanians, thanks to a program now offering free nicotine replacement products to anyone over 12.

The monthly care package, worth up to $100, includes nicotine patches plus gum or lozenges for people reaching out to QuitTas for support. Over a 12-week course, participants can save up to $300 on quitting aids alone, not counting what they save by ditching cigarettes or vapes.

QuitTas director Abby Smith says the combination approach works best. "When you combine behavioral support plus combination nicotine replacement therapy, like nicotine patches plus an oral product like gum, that actually gives people the best chances of quitting successfully," she explained.

The program started in July 2025 serving only priority groups like young people aged 12 to 25, pregnant people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and those eligible for lung cancer screening. Now it's open to all Tasmanians without complicating health conditions.

Tasmania has the second-highest smoking rate in Australia, with 17.6 percent of adults smoking daily or occasionally. But counselors are seeing encouraging signs, especially among young people trying to quit vaping.

"We understand that quitting can be quite a shame-inducing journey, or smoking in general, so we encourage anyone to give us a call," said QuitTas counselor Adam Mitchell. "They don't even have to be considering actually quitting, but maybe even making a slight change, and we will greet them with warm open arms."

The Ripple Effect

The program supports about 400 participants with a budget of $144,000 for this financial year. But the real impact goes beyond individual health wins.

Every person who quits reduces secondhand smoke exposure for their families and coworkers. Young people breaking nicotine addiction early avoid decades of health complications and costs.

Counselors follow up regularly throughout the 12-week journey, checking if products are working and adjusting support as needed. Manager Nyre Harris wants people to know there are multiple paths to success: "You don't always have to go cold turkey, you can use these products."

The program runs through June 2027, funded by the Tasmanian government, giving thousands more people the tools and support they need to quit for good.