Senate debates
Thursday, 1 December 2022
Committees
Community Affairs References Committee; Reference
3:45 pm
Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
I move:
That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 21 June 2023: Concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports at all levels, for all genders and age groups, with particular reference to:
(a) the guidelines and practices contact sports associations and clubs follow in cases of player concussions and repeated head trauma, including practices undermining recovery periods and potential risk disclosure;
(b) the long-term impacts of concussions and repeated head trauma, including but not limited to mental, physical, social and professional impacts;
(c) the long and short-term support available to players affected by concussion and repeated head trauma;
(d) the liability of contact sports associations and clubs for long-term impacts of player concussions and repeated head trauma;
(e) the role of sports associations and clubs in the debate around concussion and repeated head trauma, including in financing research;
(f) the lack of a consistent definition of what constitutes 'concussion';
(g) the prevalence, monitoring and reporting of concussion and long-term impacts of concussion and repeated head trauma, including in First Nations communities;
(h) workers, or other, compensation mechanisms for players affected by longterm impacts of concussions and repeated head trauma;
(i) alternative approaches to concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sport, and awareness raising about its risks;
(j) international experiences in modifying sports for children; and
(k) any other related matters.
Question agreed to.