Hello Supporters

A quick update following my meeting with the Member for Gillibrand, Tim Watts MP. 

• Tim agreed with all of the asks in this petition. However, he felt it better we focus more on a national level of which I agree with. I will continue with liaising with the Victorian government alongside nevertheless. 
  
  
• Some of the articles I shared with Tim (Such as those who know are without a GP or unable to obtain a script) truly sparked attention. 
  
  
• Although Tim is across all motions in In Parliament, he doesn’t recall all of the specific measures tabled within this particular area (Chronic Pain. Opioid restrictions, medical marijuana). 
• Despite this, he is going to flag it again at Parliament and use the House as a sounding board (it's likely other members have received letters from their constituents about similar issues), particularly concerning what the TGA Is doing with new indications for strong painkillers, restrictions around prescribing and;
• Petition for additional funding in a National Chronic Pain Strategy, seeking to commission an independent analysis of medical marijuana and it’s the effectiveness with chronic pain users including Australian users an in-depth review of all other jurisdictions laws, action plans etc. and the success rates thus far for either removing or eliminating opiate use. 
• Tim has several counterparts and will reach out for support (including within the AMA). Tim mentioned he would also speak with the Federal Health Minister.
• Tims team will do their research harnessing the Australian archives and other useable data sources. 
  
  
• I am in the process of preparing a pack Tim can use to make a speech in parliament and that his team can harness to assist with additional research. 
  
  

I think we can consider this a big win. Tim was very receptive, empathetic and promised to come back to me with results after parliament sat with commentary. 

In Unity 

Ben