This article explores a brief history of tobacco control, in relation to policy reform and recent evidence, and outline the case for re-energising tobacco control at a time when public health has gained new political and social currency.

There is strong evidence that smoke-free environments support smokers to make a quit attempt, support ex-smokers to maintain their resolve, and protect the health of non-smokers and ex-smokers alike.

This paper proposes that it is time to establish a civil society equivalent of Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to protect reputable organisations from associating with or lending support and credibility to the tobacco industry.

The achievements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tobacco control are among the most encouraging stories in Australian tobacco control and in efforts to improve Indigenous health and to Close The Gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The late 1990s marked a turning point for tobacco control in Australia. In this article, the Honourable Dr Michael Wooldridge, former Federal Health Minister, reflects on how these reforms to tobacco control were achieved, and how the public health community can best engage with policy makers to advocate for reform.