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One of the greatest strengths of the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program is the way it brings together rigorous research and community knowledge. Both are essential if we are to continue improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Over recent months, it has been encouraging to see several important research publications further strengthen the evidence base for tobacco control. Studies examining access to smoking cessation medicines, protective factors that reduce vaping among First Nations young people, the tobacco industry's deliberate targeting of youth, and the growing concept of "nico-colonialism" all reinforce what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have understood for many years. Effective tobacco control must be culturally informed, community led and responsive to the commercial forces that continue to drive nicotine addiction.
It is particularly pleasing to see this work recognised nationally. Research exploring protective factors against e-cigarette use among First Nations young people received the Australian Health Promotion Association's Ray James Memorial Award, recognising excellence and innovation in health promotion research. Another publication examining access to smoking cessation medicines among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was selected as the Public Health Research & Practice Editor's Choice article. These achievements highlight the importance of investing in Indigenous-led research that informs policy and strengthens practice.
The relevance of this work has become increasingly evident as illicit tobacco continues to emerge as a significant public health and law enforcement issue in Australia. Much of the national conversation has focused on organised crime, community safety and the expanding black market. These are serious concerns, and we must not lose sight of the central public health message: illicit tobacco remains harmful tobacco. A lower price does not reduce the health risks associated with smoking, nor does it lessen the burden of tobacco-related disease experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Strong tobacco control measures, effective law enforcement, prevention and culturally appropriate cessation support all have a role to play. Of particular concern is the potential impact of illicit tobacco on young people, with lower prices, easier access and the absence of regulated retail controls threatening to undermine years of progress in reducing smoking uptake and supporting people to quit.
Alongside this growing evidence base, I continue to be inspired by the creativity of our TIS teams and the communities they work with and the many ways culture, music and storytelling can strengthen health promotion.
I offer my warmest congratulations to the Apunipima Cape York Health Council Tackling Indigenous Smoking team, whose All The Way From The NPA was named Community Clip of the Year at the 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards. This is a wonderful achievement and well-deserved recognition of a community-led campaign.
I also congratulate the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service Tackling Indigenous Smoking team, whose Barndi Yarraly (Vaping is Vicious, Not Delicious) clip was nominated in the same category.
A great night of recognition for deadly music, creativity and tobacco- and nicotine-free storytelling.
To see multiple TIS initiatives recognised on a national stage demonstrates the strength of locally led health promotion, where culture and community voices come together to create messages that are authentic and meaningful.
A special acknowledgement must also go to the young people and artists behind Voices of Resistance, who were finalists for Best New Talent at the 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards in Darwin! A special shout-out also to Fred Leone, who is central to Voices of Resistance and Don’t Make Smokes Your Story, who won Artist of the Year with Birdz.
You can read more about the story behind Voices of Resistance in this recent ABC News feature: Musicians and health workers ‘draw a line’ on tobacco industry with award-nominated song Voices of Resistance.
Through the Warraay Puthu movement, these young leaders are using music and creative expression to share their vision for a nicotine-free future. Their nomination alongside some of the country's emerging First Nations musical talent is something of which they should be immensely proud.
These achievements remind us that effective health promotion does not have to begin in a clinic or a policy document. It can begin with a song, a story, language, a young person's idea or a community coming together. When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lead the conversation, we create messages that speak to our communities in ways that are culturally strong and enduring.
This was also a message I had the privilege of reinforcing at the AH&MRC National Indigenous Healthcare Forum in Sydney in early August, where I reflected on the importance of community-controlled health systems in improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Community control, self-determination and local decision making are fundamental to effective health promotion. Our communities know their strengths, challenges and aspirations, and the work of TIS teams across the country continues to demonstrate what can be achieved when local knowledge guides the response.
These principles extend well beyond tobacco and vaping. As national conversations about strengthening local and regional decision making continue, we must create genuine opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to shape the policies that affect their lives.
I also emphasised that the latest AIHW report on ACCHOs pointed out that only about 41% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use a community controlled health service for various reasons. That is why our role is so important to reach out and engage with the 59% of our mob who don’t use an ACCHO.
We have now wrapped up the TIS Jurisdictional Workshops for the year, and once again, I am thankful to everyone who attended, contributed and supported these important gatherings. The power of mob when we come together is palpable. The energy, knowledge and generosity shared across these workshops demonstrate the strength of the national TIS network.
I would also like to acknowledge the NBPU TIS team for their incredible work in bringing these events together. We can sometimes underestimate how much happens behind the scenes, from months of planning and coordination through to supporting teams on the day. That work does not go unnoticed, and I extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved.
We were also fortunate to have the Department representative inform us of the restructure in the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing that now places TIS in the mainstream Tobacco and E-cigarette Control Branch of the Population Health Division. Our returned to the Population Health Division is where we started 16 years ago. Next month, we will host the 2026 TIS CEO Workshop. We have carefully considered feedback and evaluation data from previous workshops to shape a focused day of learning and discussion for CEOs. I look forward to another valuable opportunity to strengthen our collective work and leadership across the program.
Whether through research, music, community-led health promotion or coming together to share our knowledge, each of these examples speaks to the same principle: our strongest outcomes come when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are empowered to lead.
Once again, thank you to everyone who continues to work with dedication and purpose to keep our mob healthy and again congratulation to our winners and finalists in the awards.
Final piece of news is that my role as the interim First Nations Commissioner on ATEC (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) finishes on 14 August 2026 after neary 8 months in the role. Looking forward to be back on the TIS locomotive and get out to visit teams more regularly over the coming months.
Professor Tom Calma AO
National Coordinator, Tackling Indigenous Smoking
