Why the Australian Commonwealth Government has a Central Role in Addressing Concussion Concerns in Australian Sport

Abstract

The neurological sequelae of repetitive head impacts (RHIs) in Australian sport has come under intense public scrutiny. Class action litigation against the Australian Football League (AFL) is shaping up to be a ‘battle of the experts’ and could examine long term neurodegenerative disease. The Australian Parliamentary Inquiry into Concussions and Repeated Head Trauma in Contact Sports has conducted public hearings, due to report its recommendations in August 2023. As a high-profile public health concern, we strongly support a central role for the Australian Commonwealth Government to engage its agencies representing public health, sport and education towards a national approach.