Federal Sports Minister formally rules out inquiry into ASADA’s handling of Essendon scandal

AN INQUIRY into ASADA’s handling of the Essendon drug scandal has been formally ruled out by federal Sports Minister Greg Hunt.

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SPORTS Minister Greg Hunt has formally ruled out an inquiry into Australia’s anti-doping body’s handling of the Essendon scandal.

Mr Hunt has this afternoon issued a statement saying there was “no new or substantive evidence” to justify further investigation.

But the decision has been slammed by Justice For The 34, a group which has been campaigning for an independent inquiry.

The Herald Sun last week revealed a fresh push for a Senate inquiry into ASADA’s handling of the doping scandal, which rocked the AFL in 2013 and suspended 34 players from the 2016 season.

Sports Minister Greg Hunt has formally ruled out an inquiry into Australia’s anti-doping body’s handling of the Essendon scandal. Picture: AAP/Mick Tsikas

Sports Minister Greg Hunt says his office has received material about the conduct of the probe into doping at Essendon. Generic picture

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Mr Hunt said under Australia’s anti-doping legislation he had no role in the conduct of anti-doping investigations and had to respect the decisions of the courts.

“In recent times material has been supplied to my office by members of the public regarding concerns about the conduct of the investigation into doping at the Essendon Football Club,” Mr Hunt said.

“After review and due consideration, and in light of the exhaustive review processes already applied to this matter, the Department has advised that there is no new or substantive information in the material supplied that would justify a further investigation. I have accepted that advice.”

Justice For The 34, in a statement, said Mr Hunt’s decision was “inappropriate”.

“It was the department which presided over the ASADA investigation,” the group said.

“The department is not independent. There should be an inquiry by a Senate Committee.”

The group said there had not been a review of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Act (2006) in 10 years.

“The inquiry should review the entire anti-doping framework. There is a need to ensure the rights of Australian athletes are consistent with the rights of other citizens.

“Such is the concern internationally that the UK Parliament and US Senate are both conducting independent inquiries.

“Why is that not possible in Australia? An independent inquiry is needed.”

Labor Senator Don Farrell said on Wednesday night his party was not convinced a Senate Inquiry was necessary.

Outgoing ASADA boss Ben McDevitt this week warned those pushing for a fresh inquiry into the long-running Essendon scandal cannot overturn punishments already dished out.

Outgoing ASADA boss Ben McDevitt. Picture: Ray Strange

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He said a Senate inquiry could not set aside the rulings of either the finding of lawfulness of ASADA’s actions by the full bench of the Federal Court, nor of the findings of doping violations against Essendon players by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“So far as antidoping matters can be litigated, either on merit or process, the Essendon matters have been finalised,” Mr McDevitt said.

“Aspects of this case have been forensically examined by bodies including, but not limited to, the independent Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel, the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal, the Victorian Supreme Court, the Federal Court of Australia by both single Judge and then via Full Bench, the Court of Arbitration for Sport and even the Swiss Federal Court.”

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