Additional comments from Coalition Senators

1.1Australia is a proud sporting nation, with high participation rates, the ability to host major events that inspire the nation, and athletes capable of winning medals on the world stage. Sport is deeply integrated into the Australian culture, providing numerous social, developmental, physical, and mental health benefits. Enhancing community-level sports participation and international success has been a central goal of recent Australian governments.

1.2The Coalition was proud to launch Sport 2030 when in Government, which focused on encouraging Australians to be more active, more often, whilst driving sporting excellence, safeguarding the integrity of sport, and strengthening the sports industry.

1.3In line with this vision, the Coalition committed to a significant investment of $250 million over four years to support community sports infrastructure nationwide. This investment aims to capitalise on the growing recognition of women's sports following recent success on the international stage and will foster enduring benefits by encouraging all Australians to get involved in grassroots sports.

1.4As stated by numerous witnesses throughout the inquiry, sport brings people and communities together. It also provides significant health and mental health benefits, which are not only positive for the individuals involved but assist the overall healthcare system by potentially reducing avoidable interactions.

1.5In discussing the serious nature of concussion related injuries, this report does not seek to discourage or dissuade sports participation. Rather, it aims to provide an outline of the possible next steps to ensure that the safety of athletes, particularly regarding CTE and concussions, are in place so that sport in Australia can continue to flourish.

1.6The paramount consideration for professional sports must be the safety and well-being of athletes. Although international and domestic research around CTE and repeated head trauma continues to develop, there remains a need for continued advancement. The Coalition is firmly committed to supporting increased funding and research initiatives in this field. Furthermore, enhancing the sharing of data and information is imperative, particularly for youth participation in sport. Situations where a head injury or similar incident goes unreported after a Friday game can pose significant risks if the affected individual participates in a different sport on Saturday. By establishing better data sharing arrangements, this ensures that community coaches and volunteers are knowledgeable about the overall health and welfare of their athlete.

1.7To ensure that community sport can continue to thrive, it is important that all relevant medical practitioners are aware of and regularly trained in concussion management and protocols. Additionally, community education about concussion will also contribute to improving overall outcomes.

1.8The Coalition acknowledges the incredible testimony provided by many individuals regarding their experience, or an experience of a loved one who has had head trauma following a professional sporting career.While some National Sporting Organisations offer post-career support, including mental and physical health assistance for retired athletes who have sustained injuries, there is more work to be done.

1.9Professional and elite athletes accept a level of risk when participating in contact sport and Private Health Insurance plays a pivotal role in supporting athletes throughout their careers. Any alterations to insurance models should very carefully consider existing arrangements. The intricacies of the relationship between athletes, their clubs, and national bodies concerning insurance are substantial and were not intimately traversed during this inquiry. Any future reforms must carefully consider perverse outcomes, including ensuring that any changes do not create additional barriers, including financial ones, for individuals participating in community sports.

1.10Coalition Senators would like to thank all individual witnesses who gave their time and shared personal stories with the committee. Their testimony was invaluable in understanding the impact of concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sport.

1.11Coalition Senators would also like to thank the many sporting bodies, organisations, health professionals and peak bodies for providing their professional advice and the Secretariat for their work throughout this inquiry.

Senator Wendy AskewSenator Slade Brockman

Senator Maria KovacicSenator Kerrynne Liddle