Police arrest alleged driver over fatal hit and run
The common struggle to get a good night's sleep is one of the top reasons why Australians are turning to medicinal cannabis, but experts say the science is yet to prove the products work.
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7NEWS
5 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
From sewers to syndicates: Australia's drug demand fuels billion-dollar crime
Australia's insatiable appetite for illicit drugs is fuelling demand from international crime groups and drug dealers cashing in on the lucrative market. Analysis of wastewater by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, in partnership with universities, detected a growth in consumption of major illicit drugs around the nation. Methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine and heroin were all found at record highs in the latest analysis, which began in 2016. More than 22 tonnes of those three drugs, as well as MDMA (ecstasy), was consumed in Australia in the year to August 2024, according to the wastewater analysis. It has boosted the illicit drug trade and the profits for organised criminals, with an estimated $11.5 billion being spent. Ice consumption rose to an estimated 12.8 tonnes. Cocaine use increased almost 70 per cent, MDMA almost 50 per cent, and heroin almost 15 per cent. The commission's drug specialist Shane Neilson said the market was rebounding after consumption dropped amid tighter border controls and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Large profits from a consumer base willing and able to pay higher prices than other global markets are driving the business. Drug traffickers will throw tonnes of product at Australia's borders, knowing whatever gets through will make enough money to outweigh losses from seizures, some of which outweigh total detected annual consumption, Mr Neilson said. 'It's just a relentless determination of transnational and domestic serious and organised crime groups to continue to supply the Australian market,' he said. Organised crime groups are also thought to be fuelling a rise in illicit tobacco, but while nicotine consumption reversed a decline in the second half of 2024, it's impossible to determine what proportion of it was obtained on the black market. Ketamine use is also on the rise. Forensic analysts believe the majority of the general anaesthetic being consumed is imported and illicit, with the drug's use in medical and veterinary settings less prevalent. It's the same for cannabis, despite thousands of people being medically prescribed. 'Although the number of users of medicinal cannabis is increasing, it's small relative to the overall use of cannabis,' Mr Neilson said. The nation's multi-billion-dollar splurge on illicit drugs sends profits solely to organised criminals, the crime commission said. 'There is no taxation on these profits, and economically it does have an impact,' Mr Neilson said. The latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey suggests nearly one-in-two Australians aged 14 and over (10.2 million people) had illicitly used a drug at some point in their lifetime including the non-medical use of pharmaceuticals. An estimated one in five (3.9 million) used in the past 12 months.
West Australian
35 minutes ago
- West Australian
My Reno Rules: Neale Whitaker, Simon Cohen and Julia Green confirmed as judges for new renovation show
The judging panel for a new renovation reality series, set to air on screens next year, has been revealed. My Reno Rules, hosted by Dr Chris Brown, will see four teams of Aussie battlers go head-to-head in the competition to transform two neighbouring rundown houses in Melbourne in a bid to win life-changing prize money. Judging the renovated homes will be style icon Neale Whitaker, top buyer's agent Simon Cohen and interiors expert Julia Green. With a wealth of experience in lifestyle magazines and interior design, Whitaker is one of Australia's leading style authorities and has been a regular on Aussie TV for more than 15 years. Known for his roles on The Block and Love It Or List It Australia, his expertise stems from a successful publishing career that saw him helm Aussie style bibles Belle and Vogue Living for more than a decade. Whitaker said he was thrilled to be joining a show that will 'truly redefine renovation TV'. Along with Simon and Julia, I get to share my experience with a new generation of Aussie renovators in one of my favourite cities,' he said. 'I can't wait to see the creative and innovative ideas our teams bring to the competition.' Go-to buyer's agent Cohen is set to guide the teams through their renovation plans to ensure their properties reach the height of style, elegance and technology. 'I'm excited to be part of a show that's redefining the renovation genre and transforming lives in the process,' he said. Julia Green, founder of Greenhouse Interiors, will also join the judging panel. As a regular contributor to leading Australian and international interiors and lifestyle publications, Green has an eye for interior trends and a passion for treasures that will transform any home. Green said she was also thrilled to be part of the show that 'puts such a fresh spin on home renovation'. 'I can't wait to see the creativity, surprises, and heart our contestants will pour into bringing these incredible homes to life,' she said. Not only do the contestants walk-away with a prize, but two lucky Australians receive a life-changing call. They will be told they've both won a spectacularly renovated, multi-million-dollar home that's fully-furnished, landscaped and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. My Reno Rules will screen on Seven and 7plus in 2026.
Perth Now
35 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Aussie style guru heads judging panel for new reno show
The judging panel for a new renovation reality series, set to air on screens next year, has been revealed. My Reno Rules, hosted by Dr Chris Brown, will see four teams of Aussie battlers go head-to-head in the competition to transform two neighbouring rundown houses in Melbourne in a bid to win life-changing prize money. Judging the renovated homes will be style icon Neale Whitaker, top buyer's agent Simon Cohen and interiors expert Julia Green. With a wealth of experience in lifestyle magazines and interior design, Whitaker is one of Australia's leading style authorities and has been a regular on Aussie TV for more than 15 years. Known for his roles on The Block and Love It Or List It Australia, his expertise stems from a successful publishing career that saw him helm Aussie style bibles Belle and Vogue Living for more than a decade. Whitaker said he was thrilled to be joining a show that will 'truly redefine renovation TV'. Along with Simon and Julia, I get to share my experience with a new generation of Aussie renovators in one of my favourite cities,' he said. 'I can't wait to see the creative and innovative ideas our teams bring to the competition.' Go-to buyer's agent Cohen is set to guide the teams through their renovation plans to ensure their properties reach the height of style, elegance and technology. 'I'm excited to be part of a show that's redefining the renovation genre and transforming lives in the process,' he said. Julia Green, founder of Greenhouse Interiors, will also join the judging panel. As a regular contributor to leading Australian and international interiors and lifestyle publications, Green has an eye for interior trends and a passion for treasures that will transform any home. Green said she was also thrilled to be part of the show that 'puts such a fresh spin on home renovation'. 'I can't wait to see the creativity, surprises, and heart our contestants will pour into bringing these incredible homes to life,' she said. Not only do the contestants walk-away with a prize, but two lucky Australians receive a life-changing call. They will be told they've both won a spectacularly renovated, multi-million-dollar home that's fully-furnished, landscaped and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. My Reno Rules will screen on Seven and 7plus in 2026.
