Sports stars and officers may very well be known as earlier than a brand new inquiry to look at the long-term results of concussion and repeated head trauma involved sports activities in any respect ranges.
The Senate on Thursday voted to ascertain a parliamentary investigation amid rising issues about power traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – the neurodegenerative illness related to repeated head trauma and concussion.
Medical consultants, sports activities officers and athletes from Australia’s hottest sports activities, together with the AFL and NRL, might seem earlier than the probe.
The inquiry would start within the new 12 months and study the concussion tips of main sporting codes and the long-term penalties of head trauma.
The bodily and monetary helps obtainable for gamers affected by the long-term impacts of concussions will even be investigated.
Greens senator Lidia Thorpe stated Australia was falling behind the USA and UK on this area.
“We need to protect our elite and community athletes, so everyone in this country can continue to celebrate the games we love,” she stated.
“Sportspeople at all levels must be informed about the symptoms of concussion and be encouraged to speak up, without being penalised for it.”
Senator Thorpe stated the movement had the assist of Sports Minister Anika Wells and opposition sports activities spokeswoman, Senator Anne Ruston.
“Noongar man Graham Farmer was one of the greatest players in AFL history,” she stated.
“Unfortunately, he was also the first AFL player diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
“We need to make sure we don’t have a new generation of athletes carrying the same injury.”
