Wednesday, 23 September 2026

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (20:17): (2830) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health, and the action I seek is for the minister to support a government-funded evaluation of medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for veterans and first responders who have sustained work-related injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. Pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines are currently the first line of treatment for PTSD. These medications remain central to treatment, but they are not for everyone. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide identified significant risks associated with polypharmacy – that is, the use of multiple medications concurrently. These include increased risks of suicide and overdose. Veterans reported feeling like zombies, losing their quality of life and connections to community, and family breakdowns. The royal commission also called for investigation into promising new therapies, and this must include medicinal cannabis.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs data shows medicinal cannabis use among veterans has grown, with a reported 80 per cent reduction in polypharmacy use. Many veterans prefer cannabis over much stronger, harsher and highly addictive pharmaceutical options, including those prescribed by doctors. An Australian feasibility study involving 3800 records conducted by OnTracka examined whether first responders could be safely supported through a structured cannabinoid medicine program. Over 12 months the study retained more than 85 per cent of participants and found that first responders had reduced nightmares, improved sleep and decreased anxiety. The growing body of evidence and real-world data from the OnTracka feasibility study shows that medicinal cannabis provides meaningful benefits for many people living with PTSD, chronic pain and other complex, treatment-resistant conditions. Given the elevated rates of PTSD and suicide among veterans and first responders, we must enable access to all effective treatments, especially those that allow treatment while retaining quality of life and relationships. Better access and evaluation can help to inform future workers compensation policy, clinical guidelines and funding decisions, ensuring first responders have access to safe, effective and evidence-based treatment. Therefore the action I seek is for the minister to support a government-funded evaluation of medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for first responders and veterans.