Australia news live: Josh Thomas weighs in on Divine Playhouse debate; meth surges in workplace drug use survey

Workplace drug use in Australia is on the rise, particularly among blue-collar workers, with methamphetamine leading the concerning trend. Data released by Australasia's largest workplace drug-testing provider, the Drug Detection Agency, reveals a dramatic surge in amphetamine-type stimulants, including meth.

For the final quarter of 2025/26, amphetamine-type stimulants constituted 60% of all positive tests, marking a significant 17.9% year-on-year increase. While cannabis use, present in 39% of tests, saw a slight annual decrease, other substances are also showing worrying patterns. Opioids, such as oxycodone, made up 11.6% of positive tests, an increase over the year, and cocaine detections rose to 8% compared to the previous year.

Geographically, Western Australia recorded the highest prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulant use at 88.6%. Other mainland states also reported high usage rates. The report highlights a concerning landscape of drug use within the Australian workforce.

In a separate cultural development, comedian Josh Thomas has voiced his support for Divine Playhouse, a queer-friendly theatre in Sydney facing eviction. The landlord, KCSYD Pty Ltd, ordered the theatre to cease "offensive trade," claiming it offended "millions of Christian Australians." Thomas described the situation as a "David v Goliath" legal battle, questioning the landlord's motives and the tenants' investment in the venue.

“

The tenants invested so much time and money into this venue in good faith ... Surely they knew it was going to be a queer venue? They’re a giant company - they have the resources to check who’s moving in. It’s going to be a David vs Goliath legal battle.