The Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) was formed in 1965 in New South Wales by Dr Cotter Harvey, President of the Medical Board of New South Wales, and also President of the National Tuberculosis and Chest Association.

Dr Harvey was a pioneer in the campaign against tobacco, having seen first-hand the growing incidence of lung cancer. In spite of a strong campaign by tobacco denying a causal link between smoking and disease, Dr Harvey persisted, persuading others to join the campaign. When faced with setbacks or a discouraging lack of progress Dr Harvey relied upon his great faith in the 'inevitability of gradualness.'  Having mobilised a generation of tobacco control activists, the change in attitude by Australians toward smoking is attributable to Dr Harvey.

The first report of the Royal College of Physicians of London linking smoking and health was published on 7 March 1962. In October 1962  NAPTA, chaired by Dr Harvey, issued the National Tuberculosis and Chest Association Position on Smoking and Health.

Branches of ACOSH were established in other States including, in 1971, Western Australia. Minutes from the first meeting of the WA branch of ACOSH document that Dr Max Canning explained that the formation of ACOSH had been a project organised through the Preventative Education Committee of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Dr. Bob Elphick was elected the founding president of ACOSH in 1971 and remained a driving force in tobacco control and advocacy throughout his life.

In 1978, the Sydney branch of ACOSH ceased to exist, and national direction of the organization passed to Western Australia.

ACOSH is now solely located in Subiaco, Western Australia.  The ACOSH Council consists of 43 member organisations, with an Executive Committee consisting of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee members.

ACOSH is staffed by a fulltime Executive Director and a fulltime Communications Coordinator/Project Officer, and periodically assisted by fantastic volunteers.