Why do something about smoking?

The World Health Organisation has described tobacco smoking as the single greatest preventable cause of disease in the developed world.

In Australia, tobacco use causes more ill health and premature death than any other drug. In 2004-05, an Australian Government report estimated that active and passive smoking caused almost 15,000 Australian lives to be lost and cost the hospital system $669.6 million. ^[1] It has been estimated that around half of all smokers will die from smoking related diseases.

Our Vision

A society free from the harm caused by tobacco.

Quit SA was established in 1989 as the South Australian Smoking and Health Project. It is a joint initiative of the Heart Foundation (SA Division) and The Cancer Council South Australia.

Quit SA is the main provider for state-wide programs for cessation promotion and support, and works with young people to prevent uptake. Quit SA works extensively with other funded projects to make them more effective and sustainable. We also play a support role in advocating for, and supporting the extension of a smoke-free culture and environment.

With the ongoing support of sponsoring organisations, QUIT SA seeks to achieve our Vision of a South Australian community free from the harm caused by tobacco use.

Back to top

Our Mission

• Promote and support quitting
• Prevent the uptake of tobacco 
• Build community knowledge about the damage caused by active and passive smoking and the benefits of not smoking
• Advocate for policy and legislative changes

Back to top 

Our Objectives

_{1. Collins DJ, Lapsley HM. The costs of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug abuse to Australian society in 2004/05. Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing; 2008. Monograph Series no.64.}

Back to top