Advocates say stigma still stops drug users from getting health care, even though the ACT decriminalised small amounts of illicit drugs in 2023. Speaking at a Canberra memorial for overdose victims, Hayley Shaw described nearly dying from an overdose at 14 and her friend Daniel's death at 29, after he struggled to get adequate pain relief during cancer treatment. GP Ben Harkness said some users avoid mainstream services for fear of judgement.
The NSW Government has launched GambleAware Week, running from 19 to 25 October, to encourage open conversations about gambling harm. The 2026 campaign, tagged 'Now we see it, let's talk about it', invites people to share lived experiences to reduce stigma. GambleAware provides free and confidential support to people affected by their own or someone else's gambling. The government has added $1.3 million in funding to expand services and recruit more peer support workers. A broader gaming reform package includes a $20 million boost to the Responsible Gambling Fund and a statewide exclusion register with facial recognition.
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie has criticised One Nation after the party released a cartoon mocking her vaginal prolapse. In a statement on Instagram, Lambie said she is not ashamed of her condition and will keep speaking about the gap between women's and men's healthcare. The Hudson Institute says pelvic organ prolapse affects one in four Australian women, and there is no reliable cure yet. Health experts and MPs Monique Ryan, Tim Wilson and Science Minister Tim Ayres also criticised the cartoon.
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Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie has spoken publicly about living with vaginal prolapse and the costs veterans can face when seeking treatment. Labor and crossbench figures backed her after she criticised a One Nation cartoon that mocked her condition. Jean Hailes chief executive Dr Sarah White described such ridicule as unacceptable and said people rarely discuss the condition openly. Vaginal prolapse occurs when the bladder, uterus or bowel pushes into the vagina, most often after pregnancy and childbirth, though heavy lifting, chronic straining and menopause can also contribute.
Aboriginal communities in Broome, Fitzroy Crossing and across the Kimberley are being encouraged to talk about gambling harm. The We Win When We Yarn campaign was launched today in partnership with local communities and Kimberley health services. It aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote free, confidential support through Gambling Help services. Racing and Gaming Minister Don Punch said many people still feel unable to ask for help. Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the campaign was developed by communities for communities.
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie has criticised One Nation after the party released a cartoon mocking her vaginal prolapse. In a statement on Instagram, Lambie said she is not ashamed of her condition and will keep speaking about the gap between women's and men's healthcare. The Hudson Institute says pelvic organ prolapse affects one in four Australian women, and there is no reliable cure yet. Health experts and MPs Monique Ryan, Tim Wilson and Science Minister Tim Ayres also criticised the cartoon.
