Published by comparison site finder.com, the research reported that the 2.8 million Australians spend an average of $5237 per year on cigarettes. Angus Kidman, editor-in-chief at Finder, said the cost of smoking goes deeper than the hip pocket. 

“It’s not just the price of a packet of cigarettes but also more expensive insurance premiums and the cost to your health,” he said.

Smoking half a pack a day costs smokers just over $100 a week, based on a 20-pack of Winfield Blues, currently retailing for $28.70.

Cancer Council NSW’s Policy and Advocacy Manager, Bradley Gellert said cigarettes are lethal, and smoking causes 5300 deaths and 46,000 hospitalisations every year in NSW.

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At Cancer Council NSW we provide a number of resources and link to a number of services to help people to quit smoking, including online resources, telephone support, workplace training and face-to-face support,” Mr Gellert said.

“We encourage Dubbo residents who are looking to make the life-changing decision to quit smoking to visit our website or call our Information and Support line on 13 11 20 to find out more.”

With their latest campaign, Cancer Council NSW is calling on the NSW government to fix the current smoke-free laws by amending the smoke-free Environment Act 2000 to ban people from smoking in pubs and clubs gaming rooms.

“Saving Life 2019 is receiving overwhelming support from our community of advocates across the state, who are joining us in calling on the next NSW Government to take action to reduce the impact of cancer,” Mr Gellert said.

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“To date we have received almost 15,000 pledges of support from people across NSW and our local advocates have met with MPs on more than 100 occasions to discuss our campaign.

“We believe this is making a real difference and we look forward to working with the next NSW Government to protect the community from the harms of tobacco.”