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TRANSCRIPT
- An Australian class action launched against Johnson & Johnson over its cold and flu medications
- Urgent rescue operations continue in Vanuatu, after a deadly earthquake
- Excitement ahead of this year’s Sydney to Hobart yacht race
An Australian class action has been launched in the Federal Court against global pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson.
Lawyers at law firm JGA Saddler allege the company sold medicines known to be ineffective.
The law firm alleges Johnson & Johnson falsely stated medications such as Codral Day and Night, Sudafed PE and Benedryl PE relieve congestion, particularly through the ingredient phenylephrine.
In the United States, the regulator is proposing to remove the ingredient from over-the-counter medicines, after an advisory committee found it works no better than a placebo at relieving congestion.
The director of JGA Saddler, Rebecca Jancauskas, says compensation is being sought for consumers.
“Australian consumers when they part with their hardearned money expect to get medication that does what it says on the packet. This simply hasn’t happened here. So consumers deserve to get their money back. The company has relied on outdated, fallible studies to sell the Australian public products that don’t work. This class action is about getting the best outcome for everyday Australians.”
Johnson & Johnson has not yet filed a defence, but has signalled it intends to deny the allegations of breaches of consumer law.
The legal case is being funded by global litigation funder Omni Bridgeway.
Australia has welcomed Malaysia’s plan to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.
More than ten years ago, a plane – carrying 239 people, including seven Australians – vanished en-route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, says an 18-month contract would be signed with US-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity, the company that previously led a search for MH370 in 2018.
The new hunt will focus on a different location at 15,000 square kilometres in the southern Indian Ocean – based on information and analysis from researchers.
The company will get paid $70 million US dollars if substantive wreckage is found.
Energy minister Chris Bowen says the work that Australian authorities have done on MH370 will be made available to the new search team.
“We haven’t been asked for any assistance, but of course Australian authorities have done a substantial amount of work and that information will be made available to the Malaysian government. We welcome these steps if it provides any information at all that will be of comfort to the families and will solve one of the great mysteries.”
Two Royal Australian Air Force planes are set to depart for Vanuatu, bringing more personal hygiene kits and construction equipment, as the country deals with the aftermath of a 7.3 magnitude earthquake.
It’s being described as Vanuatu’s worst earthquake in a century.
Between 9 and 14 people have been confirmed dead, and that number is expected to rise as rescuers recover bodies trapped under collapsed buildings.
A further 200 people are being treated for injuries.
Vuti Sale, a member of the Vanuatu Mobile Forces, says the conditions have been challenging.
“We are searching for the remaining bodies. We are doing our best to find and recover bodies from the rubble. We are also clearing the rubble to minimise the danger to the rescue team.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia is working with France, New Zealand, along with Vanuatu’s government to co-ordinate the aid response – and further support will be provided as needed.
A number of Australian planes have delivered construction tools and equipment, as well as humanitarian supplies for 500 households in Vanuatu.
On the return trip, Australians are being brought home.
So far 429 Australians have been brought back on flights, including another 141 Australians overnight.
In sailing, competitors in this year’s double-handed division of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race say they can’t wait to compete.
There are 23 entrants in the double-handed division, which features boats operated only by two crew members.
The 628-nautical mile race begins next week on Boxing Day.
Mother and daughter duo, Annette Hesselmans and Sophie Snijders will operate the yacht named Fika.
Ms Hesselmans has competed in the race before, but it’s the first time for Ms Snijders.
She says it is a daunting challenge.
“A little overwhelmed, to be honest. But I know once we get going, it should be a good time. I guess the reason why I said yes to these crazy races was the sense of adventure, the challenge. And to be able to achieve something really cool and accomplish amazing things with my mother (laugh).”
Her mother says she is looking forward to the race.
“It is incredibly special to sail with a family member. And Sophie and I are just such… We’re both pretty calm and as chilled as cucumbers – and it is almost intuitive sailing together. So I think that is incredibly special for us to do this race.”
And that’s the latest from the SBS Newsroom.
