Senator calls for anti-doping inquiry

Independent John Madigan says he has cross-bench support as he calls for a Senate inquiry in the wake of the AFL’s Essendon supplements saga.

The Victorian senator is pushing for the Senate to look into Australia’s anti-doping system and what it means for Australian sport.

Madigan said in a Wednesday media release the motion was co-sponsored by fellow senators Glenn Lazarus, Nick Xenophon, Dio Wang, Jacqui Lambie, Ricky Muir, Bob Day and David Leyonhjelm.

Last month, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld a WADA appeal that resulted in the banning of 34 current and past Essendon players.

Their doping cases stem from the Bombers’ calamitous 2011-12 supplements program.

The players will challenge the CAS verdict in the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.

But even if their appeal is successful, the 17 players still in the AFL are not likely to play again this season.

“Once again, the crossbench is on the front foot on a key issue,” Madigan said.

“There are serious questions hanging over the Essendon saga about Australia’s sports anti-doping regime, its effectiveness and ability to properly police and prosecute breaches.

Additionally there are questions here about the lawful direction of employees and the obligation of employers to provide a safe workplace environment.”

The motion calls for the Senate’s education and employment references committee to look at the ramifications of Australian participation in the international anti-doping framework.

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