AbstractUntil the mid‐20th century, consumption, as tuberculosis was then known, was a major cause of illness and death in Australia. Unfortunately, since then, other so‐called consumptive diseases have emerged to supplant tuberculosis, namely, those related to the use of alcohol and tobacco, and overweight and obesity.Over the last 30 years, much progress has been made in reducing and eliminating the use of and exposure to tobacco. Per capita consumption of alcohol is at a 50‐year low, having reached peak levels in the 1970s. Since the 1960s, Australians have become increasingly overweight and obese.The major objective of the liquor, food and associated industries is to optimise profits, that is, to sell as much food and alcohol as possible. The problem for Australians is that any growth in per capita consumption of alcohol and a continuation of current levels of food consumption carries ever‐increasing health risks and burdens.The protection and promotion of the health of Australian citizens are major responsibilities of Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments. They have a responsibility to intervene to maintain a balance between actions that support commercial growth and development and the health and welfare of its citizens. In this context, they have largely failed. Solutions to this impasse are only possible if APSAD and other relevant organisations and individuals are active professionally and politically as leaders and advocates for evidence‐based actions by both governments and commercial groups. [James G. Rankin. Australia, a consumptive society. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:270–277]