Saturday Magazine

28 Oct 2023

Saturday, 28th, October, 2023: Novel Drugs, and Alarming Increase in Overdose Deaths in Victoria, Monica Barratt, RMIT

Current Affairs, Gender, Health, History, Interview, Joy, JOY 94.9, Joy 94.9, Joy Media, Joy Media, Media, Podcast, Saturday Magazine, Society & Culture

Fiona and Macca are joined live on air by Monica Barratt, Vice Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, Social Equity Research Centre and Digital Ethnography Research Centre, RMIT University,

in regards to her latest article about Novel drugs are leading to rising overdose deaths in Victoria – drug checking services could help.

‘Many of the harms people experience from using illegal drugs are a result of unregulated supply. Drugs may be contaminated, or completely substituted with something unexpected. They may also be of variable and unknown dosage or strength.

Any of these factors can and do lead to overdoses. That’s why 77 health and community organisations are urging the Victorian government to implement drug checking services. These could reduce overdose deaths, and provide an early warning system to flag any unusually dangerous substances in circulation.

The Victorian statement adds to similar calls in other Australian jurisdictions. Notably, in New South Wales, a Labor MP last week broke rank with his party to voice his support for the implementation of drug checking services.

https://theconversation.com/novel-drugs-are-leading-to-rising-overdose-deaths-in-victoria-drug-checking-services-could-help-215791

Article and photo courtesy of The Conversation.

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:31 — 19.9MB)

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20 Dec 2025

Sat, 20th Dec, 2025: Kent Burgess, Interim CEO – Thorne Harbour Health; Update from Thorne Harbour Health

Current Affairs, Health, Interview, Joy, JOY 94.9, Joy 94.9, Joy Media, Joy Media, Media, News & Politics, Podcast, Saturday Magazine, Society & Culture

Macca and Zoe are joined live in the studio by Kent Burgess, Interim CEO - Thorne Harbour Health; Update from ...

20 Dec 2025

Sat, 20th Dec, 2025: Rex Patrick, “Transparency Warrior” & Former Federal Senator, High Court Fight on Political Donations

Current Affairs, Interview, Joy, Joy 94.9, Joy Media, Media, News & Politics, Podcast, Pride, Saturday Magazine, Society & Culture

Zoe and Macca are joined live on air by, Rex Patrick, "Transparency Warrior" & Former Federal Senator as they discuss ...

20 Dec 2025

Sat, 20th Dec, 2025: Christopher McDermott, Deputy Chair, Mental Health Victoria

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Zoe and Macca talk to Christopher McDermott, Deputy Chair, Mental Health Victoria. Christopher is a member of the Victorian Bar and ...