Three of Australian sport's biggest names have joined forces to fight a problem that experts say affects thousands of workers: being treated unfairly at work because of prescribed medication.
AFL coaching legend Alistair Clarkson, who has won four premierships, basketball great Lauren Jackson, a three-time Olympic silver medallist, and champion jockey Damien Oliver, a three-time Melbourne Cup winner, are backing a private member's bill designed to outlaw workplace discrimination against people using prescribed drugs. All three require prescription medication for injuries sustained during their careers.
The campaign highlights real cases of people losing job opportunities because of their prescribed medications. One woman, Angelina Raisa, who has a nerve condition, was prescribed medical cannabis that allowed her to walk independently. When she applied for work, the employer rejected her application despite acknowledging the medication was legally prescribed, citing company policy on drugs and alcohol.
"Without the right medication I wouldn't be able to walk as we are right now, let alone type or handwrite again," Raisa said.
Clarkson was clear on the principle at stake: "No one should treat you any differently if your doctor prescribes your medication."
Under Australian employment law, employers generally cannot ask employees about their medications unless the information is directly relevant to the person's ability to perform the job safely. The Fair Work Ombudsman notes that employees have the right to a workplace free from discrimination, and medical information is considered private under privacy laws and anti-discrimination legislation.
The proposed Equal Opportunity Amendment (Medical Treatment) Bill 2026 is scheduled for debate in Victorian Parliament on April 1. According to David Ettershank from the Legalise Cannabis Party, the bill targets "cases of discrimination, of stigmatisation, of people simply following their doctors' directions."
The proposal faces significant hurdles. Victoria's Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said the government does not generally support private members' bills, though he signalled willingness to examine the details. This reflects the reality that such bills typically require government backing to pass successfully.
Jackson did not hide her frustration. "I really hope the government supports this," she said. Oliver was equally pointed: "I take medication and I vote."
The campaign raises an important tension in workplace rights: employers have legitimate interests in ensuring workplace safety and suitability, yet workers have a right to medical privacy and protection from unfair discrimination based on legally prescribed treatment. The cases presented suggest that some employers are conflating legal medication use with illicit drug use, treating prescribed treatments as disqualifying factors when no genuine safety or performance issue exists.