Wednesday, 29 July 2026

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:41): (2633) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Medical Research, and the action I seek is for the minister to consider supporting a government-funded evaluation of medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for first responders who have sustained workplace injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain.

First responders are regularly exposed to traumatic and violent incidents as part of their job; this puts them at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event that threatens their own life or safety or the life and safety of others. Research from the Black Dog Institute found that one in seven first responders are likely to have PTSD because of their routine duties. Many also experience chronic pain, disrupted sleep, anxiety and other complex conditions that can significantly affect their work, relationships and quality of life.

Established psychological therapies and medications remain central to treatment. Pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines are currently the first line of treatment for PTSD. However, a proportion of first responders continue to experience persistent symptoms despite conventional treatments. I have spoken to first responders who are very concerned about the addictive nature and side-effects of these medications. An Australian feasibility study involving 36 participants in a first responder program conducted by OnTracka examined whether they could be safely supported through a structured cannabinoid medicinal program. Over 12 months the study retained more than 85 per cent of participants and generated 3800 mental health, sleep and medication adherence entries. What they found was that first responders have reduced nightmares, improved sleep and decreased anxiety.

Given the elevated rates of PTSD and suicide amongst first responders, we must support access to all clinically appropriate treatments. For some this will mean the medications that we are aware of – benzos, SSRIs – for others, these simply do not work. What OnTracka’s feasibility study confirms is that when taken every single day medicinal cannabis can provide a better quality of life. First responders are workers: if they are injured at work, they should be compensated for the treatment they need, including, where appropriate, medicinal cannabis. Therefore the action I seek is for the minister to consider supporting a government-funded evaluation of medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for first responders.