Miranda Devine says smoking isn't 'that bad'

Controversial News Corp columnist Miranda Devine has declared smoking “not that bad” because its deadly effects free up the health care system.

Devine, who is known for her conservative and often abrasive views on social and political issues, shocked TODAY host Karl Stefanovic after suggesting it was a “good thing” if smokers died early because it would unburden encumbered health care services.

“Well cigarettes aren’t that bad really when you think about it,” Devine said.

“It might shorten a couple of years off the end of your life, but that’s a good thing. That actually saves money in the long run for the health system.”

Stefanovic was gobsmacked and insisted outraged viewers direct all complaints to Devine’s email address, encouraging to columnist to reveal it to Nine’s audience. Devine smiled and refused.

The News Corp columnist was immediately lambasted on social media by the public and her peers.

Weekend TODAY presenter Deborah Knight labelled Devine’s comments as ‘ludicrous’.

“Wow Miranda is putting it out there. We know the health problems associated with smoking, it’s proven. To claim that it is going to save the health budget, I mean really that just ludicrous,” Knight said.