Warning signs may be printed on individual cigarettes as part of a new federal government plan to deter smoking.

Health Minister Mark Butler has suggested cigarettes sold in Australia would be printed with messages such as “smoking kills”.

Mr Butler believes the current warnings on cigarette packets are “at best ignored, and at worst they are mocked”.

“What do you think people are going to do when you print your warnings on every cigarette?” Ben Fordham said.

“This seems like overkill to me.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ben’s comments in full

‘Stop Smoking Start Vaping’ author Dr Colin Mendelsohn told Ben Fordham it’s a “ridiculous” plan.

“I think they’d ignore the negative messaging.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview