‘Most insane plan I have ever heard’: Prescriptions for vapes will ‘cripple’ GP system

Sky News contributor Joe Hildebrand has criticised the “most insane plan” requiring Australians to seek out prescriptions for nicotine vapes because it will “cripple” a stretched GP system and will make it easier for people to buy cigarettes.
450,000 more Australians are expected to get prescriptions for vapes each year, which will require almost a million new GP visits, according to a newly released Health Department analysis, which backs the government’s world-first vape reform.
However, it is expected if the regime becomes too cumbersome, young people could turn to tobacco.
“You’ve already got a situation where it’s impossible to find a bulk-billing doctor if you can find a doctor at all,” Mr Hildebrand said.
“This is just the most insane plan I have ever heard in my life.
“It will cripple an already stretched GP system; it will make it easier for people to buy cigarettes from a 7-Eleven, which we know will kill you - cigarettes will kill two-thirds of the people who smoke them.
“Vaping - there is not much evidence there; there is a lot we don’t know, but it is almost certain, and the evidence we do have is maybe it’s about a 10th as bad for you as smoking tobacco.”

[@krs4395]

The only reason I can see for the government to ban or restrict vaping is that they want more people to take up smoking durries for the extra tax money.

[@simondavis750]

They have NEVER been serious about stopping it. Too much money. Same as booze and gambling. The gambling one infuriates me. They are trying to slow its devastating effects on people, but 3 of 5 ads on TV are from betting sites and lottos and scratchies and I swear to God if I see one more Ladbrokes ad...

[@JBplumbing12]

I think that is part of it. A greater part of it is resentful women stuff. The "in-group girls" and bullies in high school were the smokers and vappers. And now those who felt envious of the in-group and/or were bullied by them in school are now as adults getting their revenge against the group they still hold resentment against. And doing so while pretending to be caring, which they don't really care at all or they would be happy for people to vap instead of smoking. Also, if they cared they would not express such anger and distain towards smokers and vappers.

[@hmao4466]

Nailed it...

[@elizabethcoad8657]

It’s sad but yes $58 bucks anyone one … try paying your rent with that cost daily

[@elizabethcoad8657]

Vapes will be allowed in pokie rooms

[@bb5147]

I’m a non smoker and I am absolutely disgusted with this governments over reach on everything in society. Albanese has his latex gloved hand so far up our butts it’s disgraceful.

[@AndrewEG]

I live in Germany and work with quite a number of ex smokers, most have moved to vaping. Also many were able to quit vaping a lot easier compared to smoking. The government need to look at introducing vaping as a means of quitting cigarettes.

[@ketacraft]

It's already hard enough to get a GP appointment 😔

[@Billabong0110]

Plus its no longer free to go for a consultation since Labour took over.

[@nathankelleher]

The tax on cigarettes needs to stop. If it’s legal, stop punishing people for their addiction. Or make it illegal and be done with it.

[@donman9154]

The Nanny State wants to tax us up the wazoo while dictating what we can do...

[@simondavis750]

I went to my GP a while back when they stopped the import of nicotine juice from NZ and you needed a script to order it. He said he wouldn't write one because they don't know what is in "vapes" and such they can't prescribe it, it might be dangerous. I laughed in his face and told him I can walk into Coles and buy cigarettes, the things they KNOW what is in them and ARE dangerous. But nicotine juice is an unknown? This is ridiculous. Anything the government can't exploit is just banned. This is why the government is your enemy. Maybe enforce the already existing laws about the sale of these products to minors. Why are parents allowing kids to have them? Why are people selling them to kids? Stop oppressing everyone under the thin justification of saving the children.

[@wegwre]

you can get a prescription online without even having to talk to anyone.

[@briananderson7285]

They didn't know what was in the covid vaccinations,,but they pushed those.

[@RandomCreationsOG]

Try another doctor. Any doc I've seen thinks the government are being assholes here for making this hard. I quit cigarettes using a vape. I know I would slip back if I couldn't get them.

[@keishalane07]

I was a heavy smoker for over 20 years! I tried every smoking cessation product (multiple times) over those horrible years. Each time I failed and returned to smoking combustible cigarettes. After 2 years of thorough (scientifically backed) research into the pros and cons of vaping I finally visited a local vape store and gave it a go. Now 6 years later my health and confidence has improved DRAMATICALLY. My family couldn't be happier and I'm so proud of myself and GRATEFUL to the vaping community and vendors for their guidance and support! #vapingsaveslives #ivapeivote

[@lauraleigh5562]

Vaping was the only method that helped my brother quit 🚬. He tried the gum and pill but they did not work at all he said.

[@karentracey9948]

The government doesnt want people to stop smoking,too much money is being lost. Its not about the kids at all,i started vaping and stopped smoking,no coughing,no side effects,cant afford going to the drs so now i go on line but its annoying!

[@Greek316]

After 30 years, I quit smoking and started vaping 2 weeks ago. I no longer feel out of breath when I walk the multiple steep uphill roads. Ideally I would not like to vape either, but it's so much healthier that smokes.

[@techlock-trading]

About time a media outlet starting airing the truth, good on you guys. Parents, parent your kids just like alcohol.

[@whitemanriding]

They want us back on the durries . Us vapers aren't paying enough tax .

[@David_Camerwrongun]

Ask yourself would you trust an inhalation device controlled by the same people who brought you the concoction?

[@David_Camerwrongun]

I'm only referring to the one's on prescription ​@@jonathanparle8429

[@kellysouter4381]

I have no choice, asthma can kill.

[@alank616]

The law has never been about health issues associated with vaping , it's all about the tax dollars that have dwindled downwards since the choice of vaping is on the uptake while tobacco product sales have dropped .

[@Stephanie-lg1cm]

When I worked on a mental health unit, we provided all of the smoking cessation needs of our patient. Including vapes, tablets gum and patches. 🇬🇧

[@Brads-strung-out]

He has a point, I smoked for over 30 years and could never quit, along comes the vape, I try itnd quit smoking, well mostly. In 30 years ai could never a day with out one, now i can go months without a smoke. I can stand the vapes, and will eventually get rid of them. I went yo a doctor to get help quitting, I got nothing, I literally walked out of the doctors still trying to figure out how to quit.

[@alank616]

Great comment , I along with many others share your experiences .

[@karenkershaw6324]

Maybe we should start an online petition to our stupid government,

[@jnel2879]

POLICE NANNY STATE

[@rick66649]

Well done sky news Australia for reporting it this way🇬🇧

[@leonharrison800]

More garbage media to confuse the already stupid. Disgusting.

[@davepowelldrumz]

our country has gone to the dogs folks.

[@ironmaidens6663]

If people want a vape they will simply find a way to get them.

[@collydogznampach7118]

Bloody rediculous.

[@Prognosis__]

The Labor government is a joke… the government can regulate vapes better but this is a lazy option

[@EL_Duderino68]

It worked with codeine.

[@Prognosis__]

@@EL_Duderino68 completely different…the fact is codeine was band longtime ago in the EU as an over the counter drug before Australia banned it

[@EL_Duderino68]

@@Prognosis__ It was "band longtime ago in the EU?" Why does that make it completely different? Try hard to come up with a logical answer. No Emojis or ellipsis are necessary.

[@Prognosis__]

@@EL_Duderino68 codeine is far more dangerous

[@EL_Duderino68]

@@Prognosis__ "codeine is far more dangerous" On what basis do you make that claim? Do you have any comparative facts?

[@asmith1711]

Way to boost the black market

[@jaidentslgl2753]

Where most of the sales have already been generated too, from kids

[@JoeyJoJoJrShabbado]

Prescriptions for cigarettes and alcohol at the same time.

[@JoeyJoJoJrShabbado]

My health has greatly improved since switching to vaping 10 years ago. And guess what nicotine has been readily available to purchase for decades now even Nicolette inhalers

[@kittygianelli6731]

Cigarettes are the worst thing for you and no country has banned them but vaping they target

[@redacted2275]

Tobacco industry.

[@JBplumbing12]

I am not a smoker or a vapour puffer, but I don't see any reason why people cannot do what they like, providing they do not impose upon others. I have worked extensively in the community health fields, including social health program development where much of this ant-smoking and anti-vapping mentality is prevalent and from which it is being forced out into the community. In conversations with these women, what stands out to me is that many of them feel they were bullied in high school by smokers and vappers, or were envious of the students who were smokers and vappers because they were viewed as the "in group", and now as adults working in social change and social health initiatives they now consider themselves to be the in-group or society's best people and are trying to get their own back against those they see as the bullies and in-group of their school years.

[@JimTurbo]

Thanks for taking away my job & many legitimate vape shop owners jobs & income in this economic climate. The only people that will lose is the people who do the right thing & people that want to do the right thing by not purchasing filthy dodgy disposables, actual vape shops care about their customers and want to see them quit & continue through their journey of quitting for good. These new double down laws is only going to make the black market BOOM! Thanks again for taking food out of my kids mouths. Do I get a redundancy package from you thugs? Its never been about the kids, its all about the money 🤷‍♂. Take the vapes away and kids will be smoking again, but thats a good thing right... 💰 do some digging into who owns this company that you'll be able to buy a "safe" vape from. Grubby!

[@raymondparnell439]

😂that's nonsense... vapes are not helping people. . Maybe they don't smoke tobacco but that's like going from weed to pills and we don't know the long term effects and won't for decades m big money involved.

[@arasf5236]

I doubt kids will smoke cigs 40$ per pack

[@JimTurbo]

@@arasf5236 you can buy imported / illegal cigs for as low as $8 a pack

[@patchy4066]

​@raymondparnell439 maybe do some research before you go spouting crap about something you obviously know very little about. Vaping has helped millions quit smoking. It's offered in hospitals overseas. They were handed out for free in the UK to stop people smoking.

[@lesleycooke4055]

⁠@@raymondparnell439vaping certainly helped both me and my hubby quit smoking. I was 20 a day and hubby was 40 a day smokers. We went from nicotine based vaping to no nicotine and finally no vaping! How can you say vaping doesn’t help? We know the long term effects of smoking so how can vaping be worse? We had previously tried all sorts of things to try and stop, including acupuncture, hypnosis, patches, nothing worked. Very happy and grateful to vaping!

[@tomclarke9175]

Government needs that $14.3 billion per annum tax revenue from cigarettes. To hell with public health. Royal College of Physicians U.K publicly state vaping is 97% better for you than smoking. Shame on you Australia😢

[@shayandaryan]

Might As Well Lock Up The Kids & Tell Them Not To Drive Because It Can Cause An *Accidnt*, Government Is Ridiculous

[@JL-wf2wp]

What about the EVs? Here in Europe they are literally forcing EVs on people. I am angry AF, i have to pay more for gas for my "dirty" vehicle (2017 class S benz), also my year government fee for my car went higher now at 400 euros 😡😡😡 I think vapes are only the beginning

[@jaidentslgl2753]

Which part of Europe because when I went to France and the UK, they still have petrol and diesel cars out there

[@JL-wf2wp]

@@jaidentslgl2753 I didn't say they are not around

[@amberbrickell3948]

Finally! A news organisation speaking the darn truth! I am all for banning the disposables but not being able to get my own nic juice...Quit a 25 yr smoking habit with vapes tried EVERYTHING else that the Govt has approved to no avail...this ban is going to backfire eventually.

[@timgstar3585]

And just watch how many people leave Australia now ..

[@EL_Duderino68]

Isn't that what the right wing is currently wanting in Australia. Fewer people.

[@timgstar3585]

@@EL_Duderino68 yeah the left are at it again

[@Timic83tc]

No one said anything about the right wing

[@Timic83tc]

No one said anything about the right wing

[@EL_Duderino68]

@@Timic83tc ​ @Timic83tc Re you're comment: "No one said anything about the right wing" Well, obviously I did sweetie. Do you have a problem with basic logic? Someone using a fake name though, seems like a no-one to me. Priceless :).

[@josephgee143]

Increase the price of cigarettes fools, people look for other options.

[@user-jk8kn3ij8o]

Mmmm, but children have them. So, that indicates marketing.

[@robindodd4761]

You want to smoke smoke you want to vape vape. You want to drink drink your life your choice not the government who only interested in the tax on all 3 and says it’s for health it’s not it’s heath thing it’s a tax thing want us to live longer work longer. But do not want to pay for us in old age

[@n.tfisho6491]

Just make it so that all smokers have to foot the bill for their own medical treatment, same for alcohol and all other drugs.

[@cheecharron1244]

I quit smoking after 35 years. The only reason I could give up smoking, is that I started vaping instead. I have been vaping for 9 or 10 years now. I have COPD. It has gone away, or at least not a problem, since I gave up smoking. I feel like I am healthier, and I will likely live for longer now. The harms between the two are not comparable. If it's all about the tax revenue made from tobacco excise, I'm not surprised. Because Vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking- according to the BMJ. So, this hardline against vaping, must be about tax. Well, that's not in the best interests of public health, that's for sure.

[@xioncorp]

If the government wants so much control then they should stop taxing

[@kellysouter4381]

Maybe repeated prescriptions could be phoned for and left at the front desk for repeated customers to collect. Im asthmatic, been on the same medication for over twenty years. I get five repeats twice a year but i have to see the doctor each time. Why can't I just pick up the scripts from the front desk?

[@jaketaylor5754]

Im a long term study.. vaping for ten years.. no adverse health effects.

[@WaitWhat99]

TAX money from the durries! Government has a huge vested interest to ban vapes do they can get $$$ from big tobacco.

[@psix130]

Legalise vape stores only to sell vape products!

[@jaidentslgl2753]

And tax it too

[@mr.w3796]

This lady does not know crap about marketing via social media which is the new platform.

[@Jedi1993]

same problem with Cannabis prescriptions. I always go elsewhere, regardless.

[@visualverbs]

Okay guys...we can't hear anyone when EVERYONE is talking.

[@dizzystj]

I can’t believe it I quit smoking because of vapes but now I’m worried I can’t get them now.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Send smokers for a prescription too. 😂 Why is it that under Medicare i could make an appointment to see my GP and see them that afternoon. Now i can't see a GP within 50k within 2 weeks

[@josephgee143]

Does Sharri condemn vaping?

[@tommyzeus2802]

"Daddy, what was freedom like?" --- An Australian child in 2040.

[@MrJasperspool]

Mentality of the Health System close to well below any standard as Vax also causing sleep deprivation and in turn adding to Fatigue induced car crashes.

[@charlesparker924]

Thought they were banned from Jan 1st? Again.....

[@davidstyles1654]

Importation was banned then. Sales are allowed till March I think.

[@sergueimikhail9654]

Excuse me, folks. Has the country become a psychiatric hospital with patients in charge?😊

[@mariapyrc6862]

BS....smokers are not a burden on the health system...a smoker goes to a doctor and you mention you're a smoker the only care you'll get is a puffer unless you need oxygen for your emphasima.

[@tinkingtinking2134]

Im not sure about that, my father in law died from smoking last year. He needed alot of doctors appointments, hospital visits for about 5 years before he died and eventually ended up in hospital for the last 3 weeks of his life at the cost of the taxpayer's. Around 20,000 people die a year of smoking, that's 380 people a week, I would say it would put pressure on our health system wouldn't you say?

[@mariapyrc6862]

@@tinkingtinking2134 not having known your father and you failed to mention what diseases he had from smoking and the fact people who've never smoked have contracted emphysema and lung disease do you honestly think the fentanyl addicts lining the streets of Kensington Ave are given quality hospital care or are given mobile medic buses and endless supplies of narcan. Not all of us will be given a donor organ if we need one either.. statistically speaking.

[@tinkingtinking2134]

@@mariapyrc6862 are you American?

[@tinkingtinking2134]

@@mariapyrc6862 you don't get on the donor list in Australia if you use drugs still, my ex husband died 2 years ago of cirrhosis of the liver even though he stopped drinking he kept using drugs and wasn't eligible for a liver transplant. My father in law had alot of issues relating to smoking, blood clots, respiratory problems, lungs. I agree that drug users should get the same treatment as smoker's, unfortunately I don't make the laws in this counrty.

[@mariapyrc6862]

@@tinkingtinking2134 380 people a week divided by 50 states divided by at 5 to 10 hospitals in each state ..??!!??

[@mr.w3796]

Your not going to switch to smokes when they are $40 a pack and taste like crap.

[@alexandrugeorgescu6366]

Led Zeppelin - Bring It on Home

[@stelmosfire11]

Brilliant decision. Get rid of the vapes and if you’re a smoker? Your addiction is not my problem!!

[@elizabethcoad8657]

I already have a script from my gp it’s black plain packing methol it’s clean not kiddie not made in somewhere in Asia … it’s made in the UK with clean (it’s expensive) manufacturing. Why change this? I smoked for thirty years. This is better. I did what the govt said too do.

[@eddylebrun9717]

Not hard to get just go to your local milk bar.

[@the_piper001]

yep stopped smoking using vapes yummy as loved it and after a few months of no nic i stopped vaping. 5 years later will never smoke again

[@Timic83tc]

Now people will be forced to smoke.

[@Timic83tc]

Now people will be forced to smoke.

[@the_piper001]

@@Timic83tc what? lol are you on crack

[@SLOTHO-kq6hh]

So sad

[@Response1980]

😂 you can’t make this stuff up 😂

[@shawn2380]

Dude in grey was right on all points. His animation was also very telling, total addict fighting for dear life. I know of what I speak.

[@walterzenman6502]

The price of cigarettes has gone through the roof over the last few years. 50 grams of White Ox Tobacco at Woolworths is about $143 a pack. Bring on the Prescription Vapes.

[@asmith1711]

Try paying the Medicare levy, and come back and talk

[@walterzenman6502]

People are saying Vape is a good way to quit the bad habit of cigarettes. I'm planning ahead. Trying to get healthy. Less Medicare needed.@@asmith1711

[@blockfighterv2]

Stock pile now

[@f4qebutuoy595]

People will not comply anyway, you know it ...

[@Dinorider237]

Nice to have the opinion of a long term drug addict and user on the panel…. Maybe just don’t smoke?

[@EL_Duderino68]

Like prescriptions for codeine crippled the GP system?

[@carbonite1999]

1000 other taxed items that do more harm , socialism 101.

[@elleodurkin409]

Or you could buy some chop-chop. And incidentally, an interesting economic argument is this: if you want to see socialism in action, look at the cost of tobacco, and if you want to see _laissez-faire_ capitalism in action, look at the cost of weed-and that's with government suppression!

[@youtubedeletedmynamewhybother]

As soon as they imposed the prescriptions i went and found Chinese tobacco. Cheaper than vaping, cheaper than Australian smoking. The governemnt gets 2/10ths of fuck all and China gets the money. All they have done is voided 95% of any profit they could make off me. What an astoundingly well thought out plan by the Australian government. Truly a group of intellectuals that no one on earth could possibly rival.

[@nenadcubric2663]

😂😂🇦🇺🇦🇺😂😂😂WTF😂😂

[@skullandbones1832]

💀

[@rogueelement8831]

Vapes were a dumb idea to begin with.

[@kazinmge]

Oh really ? A product that has helped numerous people quit smoking is a bad idea ?

[@paulchilds9137]

Pretty sick when you think promoting tob acco products is imp ortant. Damn vapes, get them out of australua.

[@raymondparnell439]

They could just ban tobacco . Our health is far more important then any money we get from it. It kills huge numbers . . Watching my dad die slowly and im a smoker i wish they did ban it.

[@henrymancini3750]

You know what's really nuts, starting to use nicotine in the first place then complain about the price and inconvenience of sourcing nicotine. It's $50 a pack, why did you start??

[@nathankelleher]

I started smoking 15 years ago and the price of a 20 pack of Marlboros was $12, they are now pushing $50. It’s our fault for not knowing the government was gonna f**k us up the ass for partaking in a legal product? Right, try again.

[@kazinmge]

You do realise it wasn't always $50 a pack right ?

[@nathankelleher]

Why did you delete my comment?

[@TheNobleRot1]

gronk

[@user-gb8jm2fi5t]

Good

[@kanevparise]

Just ban the rubbish 🗑

[@mvinyl3484]

They want people on cigs obviously....tax tax tax

[@moistfarts351]

Deliberate