Australia - Scott Ludlam (Greens deputy leader) has resigned

[lafarfelue]

Scott Ludlam just resigned from the Australian senate.

I feel like this is a pretty big blow to increasing recognition and funding for ME/CFS research, as he was one of our (only?) big political champions for it here.

It's only happened a short while ago, so I'm still trying to process it and what it might mean for ME/CFS in Australia. I know there are researchers on the job, doing the hard yards in the research of ME/CFS... I just really feel saddened that there'll be no one pushing for us in the senate anymore.

(I wasn't quite sure where to put this on the forums, but I thought that this was important to share.)

 

[lafarfelue]

Example of his work for us, from March 2017: Australia government seeking expert advice on ME and CFS research grants

 

[Hutan]

The Australian Greens senator Scott Ludlam is resigning after it emerged that he holds dual citizenship with New Zealand.

Well, he's welcome to come to NZ and sort out ME/CFS services here....

(Yes, it's a shame that he has resigned. It seemed that he was making a difference.)

 

[Sean]

The Australian Greens senator Scott Ludlam is resigning after it emerged that he holds dual citizenship with New Zealand.

 

[Jo Best]

Really sorry to hear that but thanks for letting us know.

 

[Woolie]

Can't believe dual citizenship would bar your from being an active politician in either country.

I suppose technically, it doesn't. But politically, its maybe a hot potato?

Anyway, sorry to hear it, Aussies. Hopefully, the work he's done will still count for something - in raising awareness of MECFS more generally.

 

[Snow Leopard]

It's ridiculous that he/they only just worked this out now. Disappointing, but what can you do?

 

[Hilary]

Very sorry to hear this as he certainly seemed to be one of the good guys and a very tenacious one at that. Maybe he's going to go global like David Tuller??

 

[Kenny Banya]

It's ridiculous that he/they only just worked this out now. Disappointing, but what can you do?

Ditch NZ citizenship & reapply in 18 months come 2019 election

 

[Sean]

And another Greens senator resigns for the same reason!

https://www.theguardian.com/austral...s-greens-senator-dual-citizenship-with-canada

 

[lafarfelue]

And another Greens senator resigns for the same reason!

She's one of the best ones, too. Ugh.

Most bummed about Ludlam though. I wish someone else would pick up where he left off re MECFS advocacy.

 

[Sean]

Yep, two of our best MPs gone in the same week.

 

[lafarfelue]

Well this is pretty positive news: Greens Jordon Steele-John to replace Scott Ludlam in Senate

Jordan Steele-John is already a disability advocate. "Disability issues will be high on his agenda: challenging stereotypes and busting myths."

I have some hope the Greens will keep supporting him and that ME/CFS may still be on the agenda.