Tobacco smoking is the single most preventable cause of disease and premature death in Australia and the rest of the industrialized world. The decision to smoke is usually made during the early to mid-teens. By the age of 15, one-third of Australia's students consume tobacco regularly, and 80 percent of them will continue to do so as adults. Psychosocial factors that increase the likelihood that a youth will smoke include having siblings, friends, and parents who smoke; approving of cigarette advertisements; and having larger amounts of money to spend. It is illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under age 18, but 45 percent of smoking minors purchase cigarettes directly from stores. Advertising, price, and supply factors also influence participation in smoking. Legislation in New South Wales represent advances, but further efforts are needed. Other control policies that should be considered include increasing the fee for a retail tobacco license, requiring that tobacco be sold only by someone over age 18 or of appropriate seniority in a retail organization, fines and loss of license for sales to minors, and higher Federal and State taxes. 31 references