Analysis for BMJ found smokefree changes reversed by Govt would have freed up $51b for consumers by 2050, more than offsetting net cost to Govt of $19b; Costello never passed on advice to Cabinet
'people who have worked for tobacco companies' has to be such a small group in this country yet this government seems to have industry links all over the shop.
Those party birds of the sky are now eating my banana flowers! Love them. I really can't believe our country voted for this govt. Are they just wicked or thoughtless? As Chlöe told them, "Don't they know that they are the baddies?" What will the TPU say about this absolute waste of money which will affect us all? Nothing of course. Will the minister lose her job for costing the country 51 billion? Most people would be surely consider resigning and apologising to all those who will lose their lives, because of this.
Thanks again. Excellent top article about C Costello concealing such pivotal data, even though we knew the brutal reversal for tax cuts was going to cost lives and money.
A similar analysis must be undertaken for the disposable income spent, health risks and associated projected costs, reflected by life insurance increase being the same for those who use tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vapes), and in education disruption from the vape epidemic here.
To reiterate, we have 2nd highest per capita vape use in the world, are one of only 3 western nations not to have followed WHO strong advice to ban or strictly regulate vapes, they are not approved by Medsafe as a tool to stop tobacco so technically legally in NZ should only be available on prescription, and the only clear stated risk is addiction, not the other risks provided widely for the public by other govts including Australia and the US, over 1 in 5 children vape, and emerging findings include cell DNA changes similar to those of tobacco smokers.
As also stated previously, the proposed changes of name change, disposable ban got around by removable batteries, and stricter policing of vape shops made meaningless by online sales etc, shows the Coalition is simply supporting the tobacco-vape corps and industry.
A projected cost analysis is vital, concurrent with decent regulation.
I agree what an eye opener! C. Costello seems to be out of her depth and the photo of her depicts that. Aysha Verrall didn't help with her support of vaping to quit smoking either. It's tragic that these leaders had the opportunity to promote healthy initiatives failed miserably.
The use of vapes to switch from tobacco certainly did not justify treating them like 'adult' candy with the marketing and easy access for kids as we have, and which Labour with Ayesha Verrall set up, as per Philip Morris handbook. Her current position is not much different, so an unconvincing opposition still.
Really you should be talking to Joe Bourne, Chief Medical Officer, but when I emailed him requesting his intervention in this issue he thanked me for fighting for tighter regulation and said he would refer it to the Public Health Agency for them to reply to me. There was no reply.
I suggest Dr Brian Betty, Chair of GPNZ who is at the coal face and from that perspective has been a major advocate of tight regulation
The Asthma and Respiratory foundation who have been the primary agency alerting NZ to the problems
Vaughan Couillaut the Chair of SPANZ (Sec School Principals Assocn) has been articulate about his deep concerns about the impact in schools
The Dept of Public Health should be useful here, and may be worth contacting, as they do say current regs are inadequate, but I find they seem reticent about stating this loudly, v unlike their very active media presence on anything Covid. I wondered if the govt agenda was hampering them as they are part of the Uni of Otago but also a govt dept, so the usual autonomy of auni research group may be undermined by a conflict of interest.
That fishing data is absolutely bananas! Vance uses some cute tricks to downplay some of the crazier data (flipping between percentages and multiples) but, to be clear, dolphin and albatross were 'apparently' harmed or killed, respectively, 700% and 350% more once the cameras were in place... Those sorts of numbers make me suspicious that the surveilled fishing boats weren't just coincidentally having some bad luck with their catches once the cameras got turned on... At this point, Shane Jones' insistence on removing the cameras is basically an admission that he's stanning for organised crime.
Good to see Israel getting a taste of its own medicine although no civilians were targeted. Owners of double cab utes will be hoping that genocide Joe has some sway over the Israeli Zionist regime, or it could get expensive to fill up.
Three differences in Iran's approach compared to Israel. First, the drones and missiles were targeting military targets. Second, it seems Iran gave other countries in the area (and it says the US) early advice on what it was going to do. Three, this was a (first and final) response to Israel's attack on an Iranian consulate.
My understanding of this social investment concept touted by this government is that it based on the premise that a dollar spent now saves lots more dollars later.
This government seems to have a different conceptual view of social investment - save a few dollars now and pay more later.
Bernard the smokefree amendments were passed in December 22 to one in effect on 1 January 2023. It appears you are repeating Christopher Luxon assertion that the legislation was just passed before the election.
Repeatedly this coal-ition shows that cost-benefit analysis was only important when in opposition. Now it’s reckons and benefits to the donors…
'people who have worked for tobacco companies' has to be such a small group in this country yet this government seems to have industry links all over the shop.
Those party birds of the sky are now eating my banana flowers! Love them. I really can't believe our country voted for this govt. Are they just wicked or thoughtless? As Chlöe told them, "Don't they know that they are the baddies?" What will the TPU say about this absolute waste of money which will affect us all? Nothing of course. Will the minister lose her job for costing the country 51 billion? Most people would be surely consider resigning and apologising to all those who will lose their lives, because of this.
Party birds! Love 'em.
Thanks again. Excellent top article about C Costello concealing such pivotal data, even though we knew the brutal reversal for tax cuts was going to cost lives and money.
A similar analysis must be undertaken for the disposable income spent, health risks and associated projected costs, reflected by life insurance increase being the same for those who use tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vapes), and in education disruption from the vape epidemic here.
To reiterate, we have 2nd highest per capita vape use in the world, are one of only 3 western nations not to have followed WHO strong advice to ban or strictly regulate vapes, they are not approved by Medsafe as a tool to stop tobacco so technically legally in NZ should only be available on prescription, and the only clear stated risk is addiction, not the other risks provided widely for the public by other govts including Australia and the US, over 1 in 5 children vape, and emerging findings include cell DNA changes similar to those of tobacco smokers.
As also stated previously, the proposed changes of name change, disposable ban got around by removable batteries, and stricter policing of vape shops made meaningless by online sales etc, shows the Coalition is simply supporting the tobacco-vape corps and industry.
A projected cost analysis is vital, concurrent with decent regulation.
I agree what an eye opener! C. Costello seems to be out of her depth and the photo of her depicts that. Aysha Verrall didn't help with her support of vaping to quit smoking either. It's tragic that these leaders had the opportunity to promote healthy initiatives failed miserably.
The use of vapes to switch from tobacco certainly did not justify treating them like 'adult' candy with the marketing and easy access for kids as we have, and which Labour with Ayesha Verrall set up, as per Philip Morris handbook. Her current position is not much different, so an unconvincing opposition still.
Thanks Mary. Which are the best NGOs or public health experts on this for me to talk to?
Hi
Really you should be talking to Joe Bourne, Chief Medical Officer, but when I emailed him requesting his intervention in this issue he thanked me for fighting for tighter regulation and said he would refer it to the Public Health Agency for them to reply to me. There was no reply.
I suggest Dr Brian Betty, Chair of GPNZ who is at the coal face and from that perspective has been a major advocate of tight regulation
The Asthma and Respiratory foundation who have been the primary agency alerting NZ to the problems
Vaughan Couillaut the Chair of SPANZ (Sec School Principals Assocn) has been articulate about his deep concerns about the impact in schools
The Dept of Public Health should be useful here, and may be worth contacting, as they do say current regs are inadequate, but I find they seem reticent about stating this loudly, v unlike their very active media presence on anything Covid. I wondered if the govt agenda was hampering them as they are part of the Uni of Otago but also a govt dept, so the usual autonomy of auni research group may be undermined by a conflict of interest.
Brilliant Mary. Thanks.
That fishing data is absolutely bananas! Vance uses some cute tricks to downplay some of the crazier data (flipping between percentages and multiples) but, to be clear, dolphin and albatross were 'apparently' harmed or killed, respectively, 700% and 350% more once the cameras were in place... Those sorts of numbers make me suspicious that the surveilled fishing boats weren't just coincidentally having some bad luck with their catches once the cameras got turned on... At this point, Shane Jones' insistence on removing the cameras is basically an admission that he's stanning for organised crime.
Crazy numbers that give the whole game away.
Good to see Israel getting a taste of its own medicine although no civilians were targeted. Owners of double cab utes will be hoping that genocide Joe has some sway over the Israeli Zionist regime, or it could get expensive to fill up.
Three differences in Iran's approach compared to Israel. First, the drones and missiles were targeting military targets. Second, it seems Iran gave other countries in the area (and it says the US) early advice on what it was going to do. Three, this was a (first and final) response to Israel's attack on an Iranian consulate.
And a fourth point. This is the first time Iran has directly attacked Israel. Israel has directly attacked Iran on several occasions.
Here is the soundtrack for the Shane Jones cartoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bXSsh3Z-xE
Zappa....legend :)
Casey no cost tell oh
I'll see myself out...
Ha!
Hi Bernard, thanks for the analysis. Can we open this one up to the public please?
Thanks Mike. Yes. We're almost there over 100 likes. I'll give it a nudge online.
That's done now. Thanks for the encouragement Mike.
Nothing like informed, objective decision making...
My understanding of this social investment concept touted by this government is that it based on the premise that a dollar spent now saves lots more dollars later.
This government seems to have a different conceptual view of social investment - save a few dollars now and pay more later.
This is madness and treason - where is the accountability? every three years only it appears
Bernard the smokefree amendments were passed in December 22 to one in effect on 1 January 2023. It appears you are repeating Christopher Luxon assertion that the legislation was just passed before the election.
Fair point. I seemed to lose a year or two over the covid years. I will remember in future.
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/smoked-tobacco-products/smokefree-environments-and-regulated-products-smoked-tobacco-amendment-act
I'd love to nudge this one over 100 likes. Hint. Hint.
I got the hint earlier!
Coalition of the fiscally inept