Essendon saga could see government inquiry as Greg Hunt is presented new information
Updated
Federal sports minister, Greg Hunt, is examining new information on the Essendon saga that may prompt a government inquiry.
The information was sent to the minister by the 'Justice for the 34' campaign who are seeking to have the players' guilty verdict, delivered in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), overturned.
"I've had some material submitted to me. What I have done — and I think this is my duty — is to begin consideration and to seek advice on whether that contains any new or significant material not previously considered," he told ABC's The Ticket.
The 'Justice for the 34' information now before the minister includes allegations that the players were denied natural justice and that evidence was withheld.
The group challenges the CAS process arguing the players should never have been tried twice for the same offence.
At a political level Greens leader Richard di Natale has been a prominent voice calling for an inquiry, previously describing the Essendon players as 'scapegoats'.
Minister Hunt says he is approaching the information with an open mind.
"I will respectfully consider the material, I won't try to pre-empt it. I think that's the right and proper thing for me to do."
Upheaval at the top of ASADA
There has already been change at the top of the Australian sports anti-doping regime.
A global search is underway for a new head of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to replace outgoing chief Ben McDevitt.
The Essendon support group has campaigned for an inquiry into Mr McDevitt's handling of the case.
Mr Hunt responded to questions on The Ticket as to whether Mr McDevitt resigned or was pushed.
"No, no, he was preparing to leave prior to the change of minister and he informed me shortly afterwards that he'd had a three year contract, his time was up, his intention was always to leave and so that was entirely of his own choosing," Mr Hunt said.
"One of the things I will do once the new CEO is appointed is to sit down with him or her to then chart out a strategic plan on integrity, doping and the role of ASADA."
Critics have long argued the anti-doping regime should focus less on a punitive regime and more on the health and wellbeing of athletes.
UK based sports ethics and anti-doping advisor, and chair of the Commonwealth Games Federation's Medical Commission, Michele Verroken, says a change in approach is vital.
"The world anti doping code has been poorly implemented, is too generic to be relevant to all sports, and it's failed to achieve trust from the athletes and sports bodies."
"Anti-doping needs some humanity. We are losing our way if we judge all athletes as if they are cheats."
The Essendon affair is Australia's longest running doping scandal with no clear winners.
A Supreme Court writ has been lodged in Victoria asserting misleading or deceptive conduct in the handling of the joint ASADA-AFL investigation.
The ongoing Australian affair is being watched closely by lawyers, anti-doping officials and sports most senior officials around the globe.
Topics: australian-football-league, sport, essendon-3040, vic, australia
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