News

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare1 shows a sharp rise in ADHD medication use across the country. In 2023–24, nearly 600,000 Australians were dispensed over 4.6 million prescriptions, up from just 2 per 1,000 people in 2004–05 to 22 per 1,000 today. Psychostimulants like dexamfetamine, methylphenidate, and lisdexamfetamine make up 87% of these prescriptions, with non-stimulant options available for those who need alternatives.

According to a recent SBS News article, there is growing awareness of ADHD in Australia, especially among adults, but there are also significant challenges in getting diagnosed and treated. Despite increased public understanding, the healthcare system is struggling to keep up with demand.

In the 12 months leading up to August 2025, Australians consumed an estimated 22.2 tonnes of methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, and heroin—marking a 34% increase compared to the previous year. This sharp rise highlights growing concerns about illicit drug use and its impact on public health and safety as well as workplace safety.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s (ACIC) National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program Report 23, based on data collected in April and June 2024, provides insights into cannabis consumption patterns across Australia.

A recent Fair Work Commission case (January 2025) highlights the complexities of managing medicinal cannabis in the workplace.

The most recent NWDM program report (#21) provides some insight into opioid consumption in Australia.

The rise of fentanyl and synthetic opioids has become a concerning global health issue, including in Australia

Nitazenes are a highly potent synthetic opioid that have recently emerged on the Australian drug market.

Consumption of illicit drugs is on the rise in Australia.

Cannabis represents a real safety risk for our workplaces as workers affected may be unsafe due to an altered state of consciousness

An estimated 3.9 million (18%) people aged 14 and over in Australia had used an illicit drug in the previous 12

Raising awareness of the potential impact of cold and flu medications on workplace safety, and highlighting the alternative medications.

Consumption of illicit drugs is on the rise, Notably, consumption of cocaine recorded a 19% increase.

According to research completed by Flinders University into the workplace implications of alcohol and other drug use (National Centre for...

The rise of fentanyl and synthetic opioids has become a concerning global health issue, including in Australia.

The recent sentencing of a former company executive for his role in the April 2020 Eastern Freeway crash in Melbourne is a sobering reminder

The updated standard, ASNZS4308 (2023), will eventually replace the previous 2008 edition

In a recent decision, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has reinstated a worker who tested positive for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine.

In the workplace, the leadup to Christmas is crucial for reinforcing the importance of safety.

we could likely see prescriptions for MDMA (for clinical and research purposes) as early as December.