Senior AFL figures expected to be called upon to give evidence in senate probe into concussions

One of most expansive and high-profile probes into the concussion curse impacting elite sports and grassroots competitions is finally set to be held.

A parliamentary inquiry is set to be launched into the scourge of concussions in the AFL and other contact sports.

The federal Senate will on Thursday vote on a motion for the investigation, which is believed to have the support of all major parties.

If successful, the move will trigger one of the most expansive and high-profile probes into the concussion curse impacting elite sports and grassroots competitions.

The Senate standing committee on community affairs would hold open hearings with medical experts, sports officials and athletes.

Anyone who refused repeated requests to address the committee could be held in contempt of parliament.

Senior AFL figures would be among those expected to be called.

Hearings would begin early next year with a report, including recommendations, to be tabled in June.

According to the proposed terms of reference, the probe would examine the concussion guidelines of major sporting codes and the long-term consequences of head trauma.

International experiences in modifying sports for children would also be explored.

Brad Ebert is taken from the ground after suffering a concussion. Picture: Getty Images

Despite the recent introduction of a 12-day concussion sit out rule, the AFL commission remains under pressure to better protect players from repeated head knocks.

Anita Frawley, the widow of late St Kilda great Danny Frawley, last month called on the AFL to “just get on with” honouring a recommendation of the coroner to “actively encourage” players to donate their brains to the Australian Sports Brain Bank.

Frawley was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – a crippling brain disease – after he died when his car hit a tree in 2019.

The league has also been rocked by a probe into its disgraced concussion adviser Paul McCrory.

A separate coroner’s investigation is being conducted into the death of former Richmond hard man Shane Tuck, who took his own life in July 2020. Tuck was diagnosed post-death with Stage III CTE.

WorkSafe has also been conducting an inquiry into the AFL’s concussion protocols since November 2019.

Danny Frawley's wife Anita last month called on the AFL to “just get on with” honouring a recommendation of the coroner to “actively encourage” players to donate their brains to the Australian Sports Brain Bank. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe will move the motion, which is understood to have the support of Sport Minister Anika Wells and Senator Anne Ruston, the manager of opposition business in the Senate.

“Repeated head trauma creates a lifelong injury. The brain is not a muscle that you can repair. Once damage is done, it’s permanent,” Senator Thorpe said last night. “We need to protect our elite and community athletes, so everyone in this country can continue to celebrate the games we love.

“Symptoms of repeated head trauma include cognitive impairment, impulsive behaviour, depression, suicidal thoughts, short-term memory loss and emotional instability. Our athletes deserve better than this.

“This country is falling behind the leadership shown by the USA and UK in this space. I thank Minister for Sport Anika Wells and Senator Anne Ruston for supporting this critical work. This is urgent, and overdue.”

Originally published as Senior AFL figures expected to be called upon to give evidence in senate probe into concussions