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TGA Lacks Oversight on Medicinal Cannabis Adverse Events

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The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia recently admitted that although it received over 600 reports of adverse events related to medicinal cannabis between 2022 and 2025, most products have not been formally investigated. These adverse events include psychotic episodes, worsening anxiety, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts. The TGA claims that no “safety signals” have been detected, so a comprehensive investigation is deemed unnecessary.

Medical professionals and patient groups have expressed strong concern. The Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) stated that without transparent investigations and publicly available data, patients and doctors cannot fully assess the safety of products or determine whether to continue use or adjust dosages. Experts warn that while medicinal cannabis is legal, its long-term effects on different populations, especially regarding mental health and psychological side effects, are not fully studied.

Statistics show that there are currently over 1,000 medicinal cannabis products available in Australia, but only two are undergoing formal safety investigations. Among the reports, 50 cases involved psychotic episodes and 14 involved suicidal thoughts, indicating that some patients may face serious health risks.

The TGA has said it is reviewing its regulatory approach but has not announced a specific timeline or scope for the review. Psychiatrists suggest that the government should establish a more comprehensive post-market monitoring system, requiring doctors and patients to report all adverse events and make the data transparent to detect issues early. Patient advocacy groups call for clear guidance and regulatory mechanisms to ensure patients can benefit from treatment without being threatened by potential side effects.

Additionally, the medical community is concerned that lack of oversight could lead to unlicensed or low-quality products circulating in the market, increasing patient risk and undermining trust in healthcare. Without timely action, the legalization of medicinal cannabis could be hampered by negative incidents, affecting both the industry and public trust in the long term.

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QantasLink Considers Closing Staff Bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura

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On October 1, 2025, QantasLink announced it is reviewing its staff bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura, considering possible closures. If employees are required to commute from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, flight delays or cancellations may occur.

QantasLink stated that around 70 employees would be affected if the bases close, including about 8 in Mildura. Currently, Mildura operates approximately 50 QantasLink flights per week, and the airline says services there would continue unaffected. Employees have the option to transfer to other major city bases.

CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the move aims to improve flight reliability and expand regional routes. However, Transport Workers Union (TWU) National Secretary Michael Kaine expressed concern, noting potential uncertainty for regional communities and stressing the need to avoid repeating the failures of airlines like Rex and Bonza.

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ACMA Issues Warning to “The Kyle and Jackie O Show”

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On October 1, 2025, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) issued a formal warning to the Kyle and Jackie O Show, citing seven breaches of program content standards and two breaches of audience complaint handling regulations for 2024 broadcasts in Sydney and Melbourne.

The investigation found the program included audio of male and female employees urinating, descriptions of genitalia, explicit references to menstruation and sexual positions, and discussion of pornography websites. ACMA also noted the program failed to respond to audience complaints within the required 30 days.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin stated that despite prior requests to increase oversight, the program continued broadcasting inappropriate content, indicating systemic issues. ACMA is considering further enforcement action against the Australian Radio Network (ARN) to ensure accountability for broadcast content.

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NSW Police Urged to Stop Strip-Searching People

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On October 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of New South Wales ruled that police cannot legally conduct strip searches based solely on the suspicion of drug possession and highlighted systemic abuse in the execution of such searches.

The case was brought by Slater and Gordon Lawyers and the Redfern Legal Centre, challenging police strip searches at music festivals between 2016 and 2022, many of which were deemed unlawful, including searches of minors. A notable case involved teenage girl Raya Meredith, who was strip-searched at a 2019 music festival, describing the experience as humiliating and frightening, sparking national debate on police misconduct.

The court ruled that suspicion of drug possession alone does not provide legal grounds for strip searches. It also found that police failed to comply with the law regarding necessity and proportionality, particularly in urgent situations.

While the case is ongoing, critics argue that procedural changes alone are insufficient and call for comprehensive legal reform to protect citizens’ basic rights.

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