'New highly-targeted drugs': beanies for brain cancer to fund big project
Former Newcastle Knights star Mark Hughes, a brain cancer survivor, said it was "time to fund big research projects that have the potential to make a real difference".
The Beanie Round has been running for nine years. This year's event in June sold about 130,000 beanies.
Mr Hughes considers every beanie to be a symbol of hope.
He said the money raised would "give patients the chance to get involved in clinical trials".
The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research will partner with industry and researchers in Queensland to develop "new highly-targeted drugs".
The drugs will be "delivered directly to the site of the brain tumour via theranostics".
This treatment, which can be used for a range of cancers, involves a PET scanner looking for specific targets on tumour cells.
If the targets are present, a radioactive form of the drug is given as an injection.
The drug targets the tumour cells while "avoiding healthy areas".
Mark Hughes Foundation centre director Mike Fay said "we know radiation works for brain tumours, we just need to make it work better".
"Patients want us to be brave and develop and trial new treatments," said Professor Fay, a radiation oncologist.
He said the Newcastle-based research centre was "uniquely placed to do novel drug development" and trials in "a small number of patients".
Effective drugs could be scaled up "in partnership with pharmaceutical companies".
Professor Fay sees patients in the clinic every week who "want and deserve better treatments for brain cancer".
If the project is successful, it could be rolled out quickly in clinics across the country.
The Mark Hughes Foundation has been funding medical research into brain cancer for 11 years.
It's the leading cause of cancer death in Australians under 40 and children under 10.
In the Hunter, about 100 to 120 people are diagnosed with brain cancer a year. Across Australia, it's about 2000 people.
Only two in 10 of these people will survive five years after diagnosis.
Mr Hughes, a two-time premiership winner with the Knights, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013.
He and wife Kirralee started the foundation in a bid to boost research efforts and survival rates.
The couple is known for doing epic adventures in groups to raise money for the foundation.
This has included the Kokoda Track, Mount Kilimanjaro, base camp at Mount Everest, Borneo and Tasmania.
Last year, the foundation gave $1 million for a new project with Carrie Bickmore's brain cancer mission in Melbourne.
At the time, Mr Hughes said a "one-team mentality" was crucial in the fight against brain cancer.
His experience in sport inspired his approach to tackling brain cancer.
"Playing team sport - you get injured, you get up, go to the physio and get yourself ready to go again next week," he said last year.
"I think I've got a bit of that mentality in me. When I got injured, I would get it fixed and tackle life from there."
The $3.5 million raised through the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer Round will be used to develop a "big, bold project".
Former Newcastle Knights star Mark Hughes, a brain cancer survivor, said it was "time to fund big research projects that have the potential to make a real difference".
The Beanie Round has been running for nine years. This year's event in June sold about 130,000 beanies.
Mr Hughes considers every beanie to be a symbol of hope.
He said the money raised would "give patients the chance to get involved in clinical trials".
The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research will partner with industry and researchers in Queensland to develop "new highly-targeted drugs".
The drugs will be "delivered directly to the site of the brain tumour via theranostics".
This treatment, which can be used for a range of cancers, involves a PET scanner looking for specific targets on tumour cells.
If the targets are present, a radioactive form of the drug is given as an injection.
The drug targets the tumour cells while "avoiding healthy areas".
Mark Hughes Foundation centre director Mike Fay said "we know radiation works for brain tumours, we just need to make it work better".
"Patients want us to be brave and develop and trial new treatments," said Professor Fay, a radiation oncologist.
He said the Newcastle-based research centre was "uniquely placed to do novel drug development" and trials in "a small number of patients".
Effective drugs could be scaled up "in partnership with pharmaceutical companies".
Professor Fay sees patients in the clinic every week who "want and deserve better treatments for brain cancer".
If the project is successful, it could be rolled out quickly in clinics across the country.
The Mark Hughes Foundation has been funding medical research into brain cancer for 11 years.
It's the leading cause of cancer death in Australians under 40 and children under 10.
In the Hunter, about 100 to 120 people are diagnosed with brain cancer a year. Across Australia, it's about 2000 people.
Only two in 10 of these people will survive five years after diagnosis.
Mr Hughes, a two-time premiership winner with the Knights, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013.
He and wife Kirralee started the foundation in a bid to boost research efforts and survival rates.
The couple is known for doing epic adventures in groups to raise money for the foundation.
This has included the Kokoda Track, Mount Kilimanjaro, base camp at Mount Everest, Borneo and Tasmania.
Last year, the foundation gave $1 million for a new project with Carrie Bickmore's brain cancer mission in Melbourne.
At the time, Mr Hughes said a "one-team mentality" was crucial in the fight against brain cancer.
His experience in sport inspired his approach to tackling brain cancer.
"Playing team sport - you get injured, you get up, go to the physio and get yourself ready to go again next week," he said last year.
"I think I've got a bit of that mentality in me. When I got injured, I would get it fixed and tackle life from there."
The $3.5 million raised through the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer Round will be used to develop a "big, bold project".
Former Newcastle Knights star Mark Hughes, a brain cancer survivor, said it was "time to fund big research projects that have the potential to make a real difference".
The Beanie Round has been running for nine years. This year's event in June sold about 130,000 beanies.
Mr Hughes considers every beanie to be a symbol of hope.
He said the money raised would "give patients the chance to get involved in clinical trials".
The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research will partner with industry and researchers in Queensland to develop "new highly-targeted drugs".
The drugs will be "delivered directly to the site of the brain tumour via theranostics".
This treatment, which can be used for a range of cancers, involves a PET scanner looking for specific targets on tumour cells.
If the targets are present, a radioactive form of the drug is given as an injection.
The drug targets the tumour cells while "avoiding healthy areas".
Mark Hughes Foundation centre director Mike Fay said "we know radiation works for brain tumours, we just need to make it work better".
"Patients want us to be brave and develop and trial new treatments," said Professor Fay, a radiation oncologist.
He said the Newcastle-based research centre was "uniquely placed to do novel drug development" and trials in "a small number of patients".
Effective drugs could be scaled up "in partnership with pharmaceutical companies".
Professor Fay sees patients in the clinic every week who "want and deserve better treatments for brain cancer".
If the project is successful, it could be rolled out quickly in clinics across the country.
The Mark Hughes Foundation has been funding medical research into brain cancer for 11 years.
It's the leading cause of cancer death in Australians under 40 and children under 10.
In the Hunter, about 100 to 120 people are diagnosed with brain cancer a year. Across Australia, it's about 2000 people.
Only two in 10 of these people will survive five years after diagnosis.
Mr Hughes, a two-time premiership winner with the Knights, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013.
He and wife Kirralee started the foundation in a bid to boost research efforts and survival rates.
The couple is known for doing epic adventures in groups to raise money for the foundation.
This has included the Kokoda Track, Mount Kilimanjaro, base camp at Mount Everest, Borneo and Tasmania.
Last year, the foundation gave $1 million for a new project with Carrie Bickmore's brain cancer mission in Melbourne.
At the time, Mr Hughes said a "one-team mentality" was crucial in the fight against brain cancer.
His experience in sport inspired his approach to tackling brain cancer.
"Playing team sport - you get injured, you get up, go to the physio and get yourself ready to go again next week," he said last year.
"I think I've got a bit of that mentality in me. When I got injured, I would get it fixed and tackle life from there."
The $3.5 million raised through the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer Round will be used to develop a "big, bold project".
Former Newcastle Knights star Mark Hughes, a brain cancer survivor, said it was "time to fund big research projects that have the potential to make a real difference".
The Beanie Round has been running for nine years. This year's event in June sold about 130,000 beanies.
Mr Hughes considers every beanie to be a symbol of hope.
He said the money raised would "give patients the chance to get involved in clinical trials".
The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research will partner with industry and researchers in Queensland to develop "new highly-targeted drugs".
The drugs will be "delivered directly to the site of the brain tumour via theranostics".
This treatment, which can be used for a range of cancers, involves a PET scanner looking for specific targets on tumour cells.
If the targets are present, a radioactive form of the drug is given as an injection.
The drug targets the tumour cells while "avoiding healthy areas".
Mark Hughes Foundation centre director Mike Fay said "we know radiation works for brain tumours, we just need to make it work better".
"Patients want us to be brave and develop and trial new treatments," said Professor Fay, a radiation oncologist.
He said the Newcastle-based research centre was "uniquely placed to do novel drug development" and trials in "a small number of patients".
Effective drugs could be scaled up "in partnership with pharmaceutical companies".
Professor Fay sees patients in the clinic every week who "want and deserve better treatments for brain cancer".
If the project is successful, it could be rolled out quickly in clinics across the country.
The Mark Hughes Foundation has been funding medical research into brain cancer for 11 years.
It's the leading cause of cancer death in Australians under 40 and children under 10.
In the Hunter, about 100 to 120 people are diagnosed with brain cancer a year. Across Australia, it's about 2000 people.
Only two in 10 of these people will survive five years after diagnosis.
Mr Hughes, a two-time premiership winner with the Knights, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013.
He and wife Kirralee started the foundation in a bid to boost research efforts and survival rates.
The couple is known for doing epic adventures in groups to raise money for the foundation.
This has included the Kokoda Track, Mount Kilimanjaro, base camp at Mount Everest, Borneo and Tasmania.
Last year, the foundation gave $1 million for a new project with Carrie Bickmore's brain cancer mission in Melbourne.
At the time, Mr Hughes said a "one-team mentality" was crucial in the fight against brain cancer.
His experience in sport inspired his approach to tackling brain cancer.
"Playing team sport - you get injured, you get up, go to the physio and get yourself ready to go again next week," he said last year.
"I think I've got a bit of that mentality in me. When I got injured, I would get it fixed and tackle life from there."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
14 hours ago
- West Australian
Queensland deputy premier satisfied with low flu vaccination rates as cases soar
Health authorities are urging Australians to still get a flu shot but Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says he is satisfied with his state's flu vaccine rates, which have toppled to new lows amid increasing flu-related hospitalisations. The state is facing a surge in infections this flu season, with more than 44,000 lab-confirmed cases confirmed in the state this year – 20 per cent higher than the year before. Queensland Health reported 106 flu-related deaths this year until August 9, which is 12 more than the same time last year. Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Chris Owen said 86 per cent of people hospitalised with the flu had not been vaccinated. 'You can't argue with the numbers,' he said in a statement, adding '86 per cent of people hospitalised with flu weren't vaccinated and 90 per cent of reported cases hadn't had the vaccine'. 'The message is clear: get to your community pharmacy and get vaccinated.' On Tuesday, Mr Bleijie told reporters his vaccination status was a 'private matter between me and my doctor'. 'We're not going to be a government, like former governments, dictating what people do in their own homes, their own lives or with their doctors,' he said, referring to Covid-19 restrictions and vaccination mandates. 'If people want to get the flu vaccination they are entitled to do that, I'm not going to dictate whether they should do it or not. 'We will deal with the influx of people in the hospitals, just as the health minister has been doing, with our wonderful doctors and nurses on the frontline.' Australian Medical Association president Nick Yim said the increased flu-related cases were adding to the already overrun healthcare system. 'The cases are rising, hospitalisations are rising due to influenza and that's due to the fact that many people aren't vaccinated,' Dr Yim told Weekend Today. 'And that, unfortunately, is putting pressure on our healthcare system.' He said hospitals were forced to postpone elective surgeries due to the increasing number of flu cases. 'The reason why we had to postpone elective surgery was to give a bit of breathing space due to the fact that many people were coming into hospital needing beds due to influenza and other respiratory conditions,' he said. It comes as flu vaccine rates across the country remain low, with more than 8200 people in NSW testing positive for the flu in the week ending August 2. NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said because the majority of people do not test for the flu, the figures are likely to be significantly higher. 'Everyone aged six months or older is recommended to get their flu vaccine, even previously healthy children and adults can experience severe complications from influenza,' she said. 'It's not too late to get vaccinated, getting the flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged six months or older.' Dr Chant said despite the flu season nearing an end, she still urged everyone to get vaccinated. 'Influenza is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission, and cause death,' she said. 'Complications can occur in anyone but are more likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.' In Queensland all residents are able to access the flu vaccination for free. 'Getting vaccinated not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of influenza within the community,' Mr Owen said. The flu vaccine is free for NSW, WA, South Australian and Victorian residents aged six months to five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged six months and over, residents over 65 and those with chronic health conditions.
Perth Now
14 hours ago
- Perth Now
Deputy Premier shock stance on flu rates
Health authorities are urging Australians to still get a flu shot but Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says he is satisfied with his state's flu vaccine rates, which have toppled to new lows amid increasing flu-related hospitalisations. The state is facing a surge in infections this flu season, with more than 44,000 lab-confirmed cases confirmed in the state this year – 20 per cent higher than the year before. Queensland Health reported 106 flu-related deaths this year until August 9, which is 12 more than the same time last year. Flu vaccine rates are low among Queenslanders. NewsWire/Ian Currie Credit: News Corp Australia Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Chris Owen said 86 per cent of people hospitalised with the flu had not been vaccinated. 'You can't argue with the numbers,' he said in a statement, adding '86 per cent of people hospitalised with flu weren't vaccinated and 90 per cent of reported cases hadn't had the vaccine'. 'The message is clear: get to your community pharmacy and get vaccinated.' Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie refused to disclose whether he had the jab. Dan Peled / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia On Tuesday, Mr Bleijie told reporters his vaccination status was a 'private matter between me and my doctor'. 'We're not going to be a government, like former governments, dictating what people do in their own homes, their own lives or with their doctors,' he said, referring to Covid-19 restrictions and vaccination mandates. 'If people want to get the flu vaccination they are entitled to do that, I'm not going to dictate whether they should do it or not. 'We will deal with the influx of people in the hospitals, just as the health minister has been doing, with our wonderful doctors and nurses on the frontline.' Some hospitals in Queensland have had to postpone elective surgeries due the increase in flu cases. NewsWire/Ian Currie Credit: News Corp Australia Australian Medical Association president Nick Yim said the increased flu-related cases were adding to the already overrun healthcare system. 'The cases are rising, hospitalisations are rising due to influenza and that's due to the fact that many people aren't vaccinated,' Dr Yim told Weekend Today. 'And that, unfortunately, is putting pressure on our healthcare system.' He said hospitals were forced to postpone elective surgeries due to the increasing number of flu cases. 'The reason why we had to postpone elective surgery was to give a bit of breathing space due to the fact that many people were coming into hospital needing beds due to influenza and other respiratory conditions,' he said. Flu cases are also increasing in NSW. NewsWire/Ian Currie Credit: News Corp Australia It comes as flu vaccine rates across the country remain low, with more than 8200 people in NSW testing positive for the flu in the week ending August 2. NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said because the majority of people do not test for the flu, the figures are likely to be significantly higher. 'Everyone aged six months or older is recommended to get their flu vaccine, even previously healthy children and adults can experience severe complications from influenza,' she said. 'It's not too late to get vaccinated, getting the flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged six months or older.' NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant urged residents to get vaccinated against the flu/. NewsWire / Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia Dr Chant said despite the flu season nearing an end, she still urged everyone to get vaccinated. 'Influenza is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission, and cause death,' she said. 'Complications can occur in anyone but are more likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.' In Queensland all residents are able to access the flu vaccination for free. 'Getting vaccinated not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of influenza within the community,' Mr Owen said. The flu vaccine is free for NSW, WA, South Australian and Victorian residents aged six months to five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged six months and over, residents over 65 and those with chronic health conditions.
The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Meteoric rise' in medicinal cannabis prescriptions signals serious review
Cowboy doctors have been put on notice, as telehealth services prescribing unapproved medicinal cannabis to seniors and other vulnerable Australians come under the microscope. Experts have welcomed a move by the government's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to review the safety and regulatory framework for medicinal cannabis products after increasing public and professional concern. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) said cannabis products are being prescribed at "alarming rates through direct-to-consumer telehealth models". Victorian MP and user of medicinal cannabis, David Ettershank, welcomed the review which includes a callout for public comment, and said it was "long overdue". "There has been a meteoric rise in the use of medicinal cannabis, and that is clear from all the data from the state and federal levels," he told The Senior. "The seniors' market is one of the fastest growing sectors for the medicinal cannabis industry, because of its ability to help with pain, arthritis, stress and sleep management." Read more from The Senior: Mr Ettershank said it's been a "Godsend" to be able to be prescribed approved medicinal cannabis to treat his auto-immune condition Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and ongoing chronic back pain from an injury, though admits it's not a "miracle cure for all ailments". The Senior understands only two medicinal cannabis products have been approved by the TGA, meaning many other products are accessed through the unapproved goods scheme. "Telehealth is an important mechanism to improve access to health services - but these direct-to-consumer, single-issue models lack clear referral pathways or a feedback loop to GPs and as the TGA has acknowledged, this requires much broader consideration by government," said AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen. "We are seeing increasing reports of patient harm from cannabis, including psychosis, so this current surge in prescriptions is highly concerning ...Clearly, the health landscape has changed dramatically in Australia, so it is vital we look at our regulatory settings and find out what needs to be done to address any gaps." Product-specific telehealth services are one of three key issues raised by the TGA. Other key issues include the safety risks of the products and whether there are appropriate regulations oversight of unapproved medicinal cannabis products being accessed via the Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber Scheme. Like every industry, Mr Ettershank said, there will always be people who do the wrong thing for greed or act improperly, though from his own experience he has found practitioners take their responsibilities very seriously. "It's a relatively new industry, having only been around for 10 years, and it is appropriate that we pause occasionally to reflect on what is happening," he said. "I'm concerned that the scope of their consultation is limited, and it is not an inquiry by multiple agencies .... I'd like to see a holistic approach to regulation, reform, safety and quality in the medicinal cannabis sector, but we look forward to participating in the consultation." Further details on the consultation can be found at For enquiries relating to this public consultation, please email MedicinalCannabisReforms@ The closing date for this consultation is 23.59 AEST on October 7 2025. All submissions received by the deadline, will be considered by the TGA. Cowboy doctors have been put on notice, as telehealth services prescribing unapproved medicinal cannabis to seniors and other vulnerable Australians come under the microscope. Experts have welcomed a move by the government's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to review the safety and regulatory framework for medicinal cannabis products after increasing public and professional concern. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) said cannabis products are being prescribed at "alarming rates through direct-to-consumer telehealth models". Victorian MP and user of medicinal cannabis, David Ettershank, welcomed the review which includes a callout for public comment, and said it was "long overdue". "There has been a meteoric rise in the use of medicinal cannabis, and that is clear from all the data from the state and federal levels," he told The Senior. "The seniors' market is one of the fastest growing sectors for the medicinal cannabis industry, because of its ability to help with pain, arthritis, stress and sleep management." Read more from The Senior: Mr Ettershank said it's been a "Godsend" to be able to be prescribed approved medicinal cannabis to treat his auto-immune condition Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and ongoing chronic back pain from an injury, though admits it's not a "miracle cure for all ailments". The Senior understands only two medicinal cannabis products have been approved by the TGA, meaning many other products are accessed through the unapproved goods scheme. "Telehealth is an important mechanism to improve access to health services - but these direct-to-consumer, single-issue models lack clear referral pathways or a feedback loop to GPs and as the TGA has acknowledged, this requires much broader consideration by government," said AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen. "We are seeing increasing reports of patient harm from cannabis, including psychosis, so this current surge in prescriptions is highly concerning ...Clearly, the health landscape has changed dramatically in Australia, so it is vital we look at our regulatory settings and find out what needs to be done to address any gaps." Product-specific telehealth services are one of three key issues raised by the TGA. Other key issues include the safety risks of the products and whether there are appropriate regulations oversight of unapproved medicinal cannabis products being accessed via the Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber Scheme. Like every industry, Mr Ettershank said, there will always be people who do the wrong thing for greed or act improperly, though from his own experience he has found practitioners take their responsibilities very seriously. "It's a relatively new industry, having only been around for 10 years, and it is appropriate that we pause occasionally to reflect on what is happening," he said. "I'm concerned that the scope of their consultation is limited, and it is not an inquiry by multiple agencies .... I'd like to see a holistic approach to regulation, reform, safety and quality in the medicinal cannabis sector, but we look forward to participating in the consultation." Further details on the consultation can be found at For enquiries relating to this public consultation, please email MedicinalCannabisReforms@ The closing date for this consultation is 23.59 AEST on October 7 2025. All submissions received by the deadline, will be considered by the TGA. Cowboy doctors have been put on notice, as telehealth services prescribing unapproved medicinal cannabis to seniors and other vulnerable Australians come under the microscope. Experts have welcomed a move by the government's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to review the safety and regulatory framework for medicinal cannabis products after increasing public and professional concern. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) said cannabis products are being prescribed at "alarming rates through direct-to-consumer telehealth models". Victorian MP and user of medicinal cannabis, David Ettershank, welcomed the review which includes a callout for public comment, and said it was "long overdue". "There has been a meteoric rise in the use of medicinal cannabis, and that is clear from all the data from the state and federal levels," he told The Senior. "The seniors' market is one of the fastest growing sectors for the medicinal cannabis industry, because of its ability to help with pain, arthritis, stress and sleep management." Read more from The Senior: Mr Ettershank said it's been a "Godsend" to be able to be prescribed approved medicinal cannabis to treat his auto-immune condition Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and ongoing chronic back pain from an injury, though admits it's not a "miracle cure for all ailments". The Senior understands only two medicinal cannabis products have been approved by the TGA, meaning many other products are accessed through the unapproved goods scheme. "Telehealth is an important mechanism to improve access to health services - but these direct-to-consumer, single-issue models lack clear referral pathways or a feedback loop to GPs and as the TGA has acknowledged, this requires much broader consideration by government," said AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen. "We are seeing increasing reports of patient harm from cannabis, including psychosis, so this current surge in prescriptions is highly concerning ...Clearly, the health landscape has changed dramatically in Australia, so it is vital we look at our regulatory settings and find out what needs to be done to address any gaps." Product-specific telehealth services are one of three key issues raised by the TGA. Other key issues include the safety risks of the products and whether there are appropriate regulations oversight of unapproved medicinal cannabis products being accessed via the Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber Scheme. Like every industry, Mr Ettershank said, there will always be people who do the wrong thing for greed or act improperly, though from his own experience he has found practitioners take their responsibilities very seriously. "It's a relatively new industry, having only been around for 10 years, and it is appropriate that we pause occasionally to reflect on what is happening," he said. "I'm concerned that the scope of their consultation is limited, and it is not an inquiry by multiple agencies .... I'd like to see a holistic approach to regulation, reform, safety and quality in the medicinal cannabis sector, but we look forward to participating in the consultation." Further details on the consultation can be found at For enquiries relating to this public consultation, please email MedicinalCannabisReforms@ The closing date for this consultation is 23.59 AEST on October 7 2025. All submissions received by the deadline, will be considered by the TGA. Cowboy doctors have been put on notice, as telehealth services prescribing unapproved medicinal cannabis to seniors and other vulnerable Australians come under the microscope. Experts have welcomed a move by the government's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to review the safety and regulatory framework for medicinal cannabis products after increasing public and professional concern. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) said cannabis products are being prescribed at "alarming rates through direct-to-consumer telehealth models". Victorian MP and user of medicinal cannabis, David Ettershank, welcomed the review which includes a callout for public comment, and said it was "long overdue". "There has been a meteoric rise in the use of medicinal cannabis, and that is clear from all the data from the state and federal levels," he told The Senior. "The seniors' market is one of the fastest growing sectors for the medicinal cannabis industry, because of its ability to help with pain, arthritis, stress and sleep management." Read more from The Senior: Mr Ettershank said it's been a "Godsend" to be able to be prescribed approved medicinal cannabis to treat his auto-immune condition Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and ongoing chronic back pain from an injury, though admits it's not a "miracle cure for all ailments". The Senior understands only two medicinal cannabis products have been approved by the TGA, meaning many other products are accessed through the unapproved goods scheme. "Telehealth is an important mechanism to improve access to health services - but these direct-to-consumer, single-issue models lack clear referral pathways or a feedback loop to GPs and as the TGA has acknowledged, this requires much broader consideration by government," said AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen. "We are seeing increasing reports of patient harm from cannabis, including psychosis, so this current surge in prescriptions is highly concerning ...Clearly, the health landscape has changed dramatically in Australia, so it is vital we look at our regulatory settings and find out what needs to be done to address any gaps." Product-specific telehealth services are one of three key issues raised by the TGA. Other key issues include the safety risks of the products and whether there are appropriate regulations oversight of unapproved medicinal cannabis products being accessed via the Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber Scheme. Like every industry, Mr Ettershank said, there will always be people who do the wrong thing for greed or act improperly, though from his own experience he has found practitioners take their responsibilities very seriously. "It's a relatively new industry, having only been around for 10 years, and it is appropriate that we pause occasionally to reflect on what is happening," he said. "I'm concerned that the scope of their consultation is limited, and it is not an inquiry by multiple agencies .... I'd like to see a holistic approach to regulation, reform, safety and quality in the medicinal cannabis sector, but we look forward to participating in the consultation." Further details on the consultation can be found at For enquiries relating to this public consultation, please email MedicinalCannabisReforms@ The closing date for this consultation is 23.59 AEST on October 7 2025. All submissions received by the deadline, will be considered by the TGA.
