A world-first trial is set to examine whether cannabidiol (CBD) is safe and effective in reducing the pain felt by people with chronic conditions.

Scientists at the University of Sydney are researching if cannabidiol – a non-intoxicating component of cannabis – could help treat symptoms of people living with chronic pain, particularly from spinal cord injuries.

The 20-week trial, now underway, involves participants taking either CBD or a placebo, then undergoing blood tests, MRIs and EEG scans to see if the treatment improves pain.

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Campbell Higgins, 25, who suffered a serious spinal cord injury two years ago and as a result now lives in permanent pain, said that if the treatment works, it would be life-changing for him.

"Something like chronic pain affects absolutely everything, from waking up in the middle of the night in pain, to every single activity," he told 9News.

"Trials like this are massively important because there is so little data around injuries like mine and we don't know how to treat them."

So far, 10 people are taking part, five having already finished. However, researchers still need another 30 to get involved.

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It's hoped the study will be completed by the end of 2024 – but that's only enough participants come forward.

"The MRIs are looking at functional, structural and chemical changes in the brains of people with neuropathic pain and we are observing if those brains change with the CBD treatment," Rebecca Robertson from the University of Sydney said.

New South Wales Health is funding the $1.7 million research, which is being conducted at Neuroscience Research Australia.

"Such research is particularly important particularly in the field of spinal cord injury because we don't have good quality research," Dr Sachin Shetty, Director of Spinal Injuries Unit at the Prince of Wales Hospital said.

The results will be revealed once the study is finalised.

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A meeting between the two PMs could take place soon after Waitangi Day.

Two fishermen said they won't be swimming anytime soon after a great white shark mauled the motor of their boat off Victoria's southwest coast.

Peter Galea and his mate Joseph were onboard fishing near Portland when the two-and-a-half metre shark circled their boat for about 90 minutes yesterday.

The pair got out a phone and recorded as the shark wrapped its jaws around the motor as Galea is heard yelling "he's lifting the boat".

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"He kept on coming up … when he bit the motor you could see the whites in the eyes," Galea told 9News.

The men quickly alerted a nearby kayaker of the danger.

"As soon as it came up I yelled out to the kayak, 'big great white you know'," he said.

"He paddled in."

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The fishermen plan to head out again next week but don't plan on swimming.

"You won't get me in the water. I only stay in the boat, but each to their own."

The shark caused minor damage to their boat.

Victorian Fishing Authorities are monitoring the shark and are advising people to stay out of the water.

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Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has opened up about a police investigation that led to him being charged over a fatal helicopter crash in the Northern Territory.

Wright, 43, is facing seven charges over an alleged attempt to derail the investigation into a helicopter crash that killed his friend and co-star Chris Wilson while on a crocodile-egg-harvesting trip.

The reality TV star opened up about the police investigation in an episode of US podcast The Bailey Show.

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It is understood the episode was recorded in October 2022, before he was charged in late November.

"It's an ongoing investigation, you know, it will take its course over time and the cops will get what they want to get," Wright said.

"And we'll move on.

"It's a bit shitty because it's hard to grieve Willow when the cops are trying to do an investigation."

Wright was allegedly one of the first on the scene when the Robinson R44 helicopter Wilson, a father of two, was harnessed to crashed in west Arnhem Land.

"We're learning a through this… what you can do and can't do in an accident site," Wright said.

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A month after the podcast, Wright and three others were charged in connection with the chopper crash.

Wright is accused of making a false statement, destroying evidence and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The 43-year-old denies all wrongdoing.

He is yet to enter a plea.

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Wright's co-accused – chopper pilot Michael Burbidge and former police officer Neil Mellon – also remain before the courts.

Wright's lawyer Greg Jones today fronted a Darwin Court to apply to have the TV star's bail conditions altered.

Wright, Burbidge and Mellon will have their cases return to court on March 8.

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