The Australian government has been accused of an ‘outrageous double standard’ after denying compensation to legal vape shops left bankrupt due to the vape ban.
The refusal comes as pharmacists in the country are to be handed $2 billion to make up for having to offer longer 60 day prescriptions.
Dr Colin Mendelsohn, who campaigns for legal vaping as a crucial smoking cessation tool, said on X (formerly Twitter): “In an outrageous double standard, @Mark_Butler_MP denies compensation for legal #vape shops closed and bankrupt as a result of his vape ban ... but provides $2 billion to compensate pharmacies after changing the prescription regulations! How is this fair?”
Australia implemented a sweeping ban on vapes and other nicotine alternatives earlier this year. Vapes can now only be accessed for “therapeutic purposes,” and require a prescription from a medical or nurse practitioner. They can only be legally dispensed by pharmacists.
The landmark legislation made it illegal for Australian retailers such as tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores, to supply vapes containing nicotine, even with a prescription.
This led to hundreds of legal vape stores being forced to shut up shop, and many going bankrupt.
Meanwhile, the ban sparked a violent fire war among black market gangs for control over the sale of illegal vapes.
The country has seen more than 70 firebombings on shops in recent months that are thought to be related to the illegal sale of black market tobacco and vapes.
Police believe the arson attacks are a combination of rival groups attacking each other and syndicates sending a threatening message to tobacco stores that have refused to stock their black market products.
Children as young as 14 have allegedly been recruited into the tobacco and vape war.
Legal vape store owners who lost their livelihoods as a result of the vape ban submitted a request for compensation from the government, but this was denied by Mark Butler MP, Australia’s Minister for Health and Aged Care.
However, this week Mr Butler announced that pharmacies are set to receive a $2 billion handout for offering longer prescriptions.
He said: “The Additional Community Supply Support Payment will give pharmacists more confidence to continue delivering services for their patients, particularly cheaper medicines through 60-day prescribing, without increasing patient fees.”
The government is also funding a 30 per cent rise in payments for dose administration aids, medication reviews and other pharmacy programs.
The total cost of the fast-tracked Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement agreement will be $26.44 billion over five years.
