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[[File:ME Action Promo.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.75|
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ME Action promotion]]
ME Action promotion]]
'''Andrew Bretherton''' is a passionate human rights advocate and unionist. Andrew became an advocate for people with ME when he himself was diagnosed in 2015. Andrew is actively campaigning for better conditions and to stop the abuse of people living with ME. He has spoken for various ME organisations in Australia and in the UK.  
'''Andrew Bretherton''' is a human rights advocate, ME advocate and unionist. Andrew became an advocate for people with [[myalgic encephalomyelitis|ME]] when he himself was diagnosed in 2015. Andrew campaigns for better conditions and to stop the abuse of people living with ME. He has spoken for various ME organisations in [[Australia]] and in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] including [[Millions Missing]], [[Emerge Australia]], and [[ME Australia]].<ref name="SlaveryRep">{{Cite web | url = https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/ModernSlavery/Final_report/section?id=committees/reportjnt/024102/25435 | title = Public hearings {{!}} Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia | last = Commonwealth Parliament | first = | author-link = | date = | website = Parliament of Australia|language=en-AU|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status= | access-date = 2021-10-19}}</ref>


Andrew has worked with a number of organisations including [[Millions Missing]], [[Emerge Australia]], [[ME Australia]], Victorian Greens,  88 Days And Counting, Tom & Mia's legacy, Migrant Workers Hub and the Migrant Workers Centre actively fighting against modern slavery, for the improvement of migrant workers rights in Australia, and for the rights of people with M.E. 
Andrew is currently leading the Australian [[Call for Change for ME patients]] petition<ref name="callforchange">{{Cite web | url = https://www.change.org/p/australian-parliament-call-for-change-for-me-patients-australia | title = Call for Change for M.E. Patients in Australia {{!}} Submission to the Australian Parliament and the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Neglect, Abuse and Exploitation on behalf of the local and international ME and CFS community | last = Bretherton | first = Andrew | author-link = | date = 2021 | website = Change.org|language=en-au|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status= | access-date = 2021-10-25}}</ref> and plans to submit to the Australian Disability Royal Commission and Australian Parliament to investigate the violence, [[Medical neglect_and_abuse#neglect|neglect]], [[Medical_neglect_and_abuse|abuse]] and exploitation currently occurring in the ME and CFS community due to outdated guidelines, policies and research.
 
He has also given evidence to the Australian modern slavery inquiry 2017<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/ModernSlavery/Final_report/section?id=committees/reportjnt/024102/25435|title=Public hearings {{!}} Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia|last=Commonwealth Parliament|first=|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=|website=Parliament of Australia|language=en-AU|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2021-10-19}}</ref> and cross examined for the [https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/award-modernisation/variation-applications/AM2020/104 Inquiry into the horticulture award]<ref>https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/award-modernisation/variation-applications/AM2020/104</ref>
 
 
Andrew is currently leading the [[Call for Change for ME patients]] Australia petition<ref name="callforchange">https://www.change.org/p/australian-parliament-call-for-change-for-me-patients-australia</ref> (an Australian Version of [[Robin Brown|Dr Robin Brown's]] petition to the UK parliament) to submit to the Australian Disability Royal Commission and Australian Parliament to investigate the violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation currently occurring in the ME and CFS community due to outdated guidelines, policies and research.


==Illness ==
==Illness ==
Andrew was studying a B.A. of Psychology and Sport Science, working professionally and heavily involved in his local community when he caught [[glandular fever]] ([[Epstein-Barr virus|EBV]]) and [[shingles]] and was struck down with M.E. He attended a well known hospital fatigue clinic and an exercise health clinic in Melbourne where he was recommended the therapies [[Graded exercise therapy|GET]]/[[Cognitive behavioral therapy|CBT]] and high doses of [[Ritalin|dexamphetamines]]. Andrew found this treatment exploitative, abusive and said it reduced his functionality to the point where he was housebound and could no longer work or study. He later attended Dr [[Donald Lewis]] clinic CFS discovery where he received proper medical care before it closed in 2019. 
Andrew was studying a B.A. of Psychology and Sport Science, working professionally and heavily involved in his local community when he caught [[Epstein-Barr virus]] (glandular fever) and [[shingles]], and was struck down with M.E. He attended a well known hospital fatigue clinic and Active Health Clinic in Melbourne where he was recommended the therapies [[Graded exercise therapy|GET]]/[[Cognitive behavioral therapy|CBT]] and high doses of [[Ritalin|dexamphetamines]].{{Citation needed|reason= | date = 25 October 2021}} Andrew descibes this treatment exploitative, abusive and said it reduced his functionality to the point where he was [[severe and very severe ME|housebound]] and could no longer work or study.{{Citation needed|reason= | date = 25 October 2021}} He later attended Dr [[Donald Lewis]] clinic CFS discovery where he received proper medical care before it closed in 2019.{{Citation needed|reason= | date = 25 October 2021}} 


Andrew experienced many cases of diagnosis discrimination and found the process of applying for social supports (housing, national disability insurance scheme, disability support pension) in Australia discriminatory simply because services excluded him from support because he had the “ME or CFS”  label. 
Andrew has described experiencing diagnosis [[stigma and discrimination|discrimination]], and found the process of applying for [[access to benefits|social supports]] (housing, national [[disability]] insurance scheme, disability support pension) in Australia discriminatory because services excluded people with the “ME or CFS”  label. 


In 2019 his apartment complex flooded and through no fault of his own Andrew found himself homeless and was admitted to hospital where he experienced further medical abuse where the hospital tried to “cure” his M.E. with psychiatric treatments (e.g. more GET/CBT and [[antidepressants]]) 
In 2019, his apartment complex flooded and Andrew found himself homeless, and was admitted to hospital where he reported further [[Medical neglect and abuse#Abuse|medical abuse]] where the hospital tried to "cure" his M.E. with psychiatric treatments (e.g. more GET/CBT and [[antidepressant]]s).


It took Andrew 3 years to access the '''Disability Support Pension''' (DSP) and '''National Disability Insurance Scheme''' (NDIS). Andrew believes had he had early access to appropriate services then he would be much less impaired then he is now and could have possibly avoided what happened to him.
Andrew described his 3 year battle for access to '''Disability Support Pension''' (DSP) and '''National Disability Insurance Scheme''' (NDIS). Andrew has said he believes had he had early access to appropriate services then he would be much less impaired then he is now and could have possibly avoided what happened to him.{{Citation needed|reason= | date = 2021}}


==Advocacy==
==Advocacy==
[[File:Insight Panel.png|thumb|right|
[[File:Insight Panel.png|thumb|right|
Andrew (second from left) on ''SBS Insight'', 2018]]
Andrew (second from left) on ''SBS Insight'', 2018]]
Andrew has publicly called for more biomedical funding and [https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/what-its-like-living-with-chronic-fatigue/9046886 said that having ME was like "A Slow Death” - Triple J hack - 2017] he said that recommending graded exercise therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy for the condition is “just garbage” - Insight - 2018 on his experience with the insight program he said “It’s not often you get a chance to confront your abuser, so it was therapeutic for me in that sense. I only regret that they focused more on outdated modes of practice, but we do need people to stand up and put forward the message of real science and show that these dinosaur practices of treatment (graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy) are harmful to patients.”  ME Australia - 2018 
Andrew has publicly called for more biomedical funding and said that having ME was like "A Slow Death”.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/what-its-like-living-with-chronic-fatigue/9046886 | title = 'A slow death': what it’s like living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome {{!}} Triple J | last = Medhora | first = Shalailah | author-link = | date = 2017-10-13 | website = ABC Australia|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status= | access-date = 2021-10-25}}</ref> He regards [[graded exercise therapy]] and [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] for ME/CFS as "just garbage"<ref name="Insight2018">{{Cite web | url = https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/watch/1334946883764 | title = Chronic Fatigue Syndrome {{!}} Insight | last = | first = | author-link = | date = 2018-10-15 | website = SBS|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status= | access-date = 2021-10-25}}</ref> and harmful to patients."<ref name="MEAustralia2018">{{Cite web | url = https://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/ | title = Insight on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Andrew's experience | website = [[ME Australia]] | date = 2018-10-15}}</ref>
 
In 2017, Andrew gave evidence to the Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia in a private capacity.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Migrant workers rally.jpg|thumb|
Andrew (right) at a union rally for migrant worker rights in Melbourne
]]
'''''Andrew’s statement:'''''
 
“My partner is currently working on a farm for her second year visa. She's Chinese. When we were discussing her coming here, I told her that Australia has workplace and safety laws that can protect her. Even utilising and knowing these services and procedures myself, it has been extremely hard to get her fair pay and conditions, and my partner is currently still being exploited. I would love to tell you more, but my partner and her workmates are petrified that if I speak to you today not only will they lose their opportunity to stay in Australia but they'll also be at risk of physical harm. (For context her room was knocked on late at night and they were demanding which “backpackers boyfriend” called the farm and company and got the union involved) What was said earlier about Asian workers versus European workers being harder or better is (just an example of) cultural exploitation. Farmers, hostels and contractors are (actively) taking advantage of backpackers of Asian backgrounds. There's a saying in China that “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down”, so traditionally it is not part of their culture to speak out against their employer. When I spoke to my partner about coming to Australia, she was surprised by all our working and safety rights that we have here, as they do not exist in her country, (China) unlike in Australia and Europe.
 
I'd also like to address some other issues with you today, the first being piece rates. Piece rates are being used as a legal loophole to exploit women and backpackers out of decent pay conditions. At the moment, backpackers' employers decide what the average competent worker is and then off this decide what the rate of pay will be. I would call for this to be abolished or at the very least government regulated rather than farm regulated, as it is currently in other working sectors. In Australia we regard ourselves as giving equal pay to women, but with piece rates, women are consistently earning less than men. I understand that this is because of the physical nature of the work, but keep in mind these women are working the same hours and same conditions as the men on the farms.
 
The other issue I'd like to bring up is the myth Australians don't want to work on farms or are too lazy for farm work. When looking for work for my partner's  second year visa, which took almost six months, I also believed this myth that farmers are desperate for Australian workers, so I would call these farms myself as an Australian looking for work, and then the farmer or contractor would say that there is no work available. My partner would then call the same place after me this time as a backpacker asking for the same work, and automatically she was offered the job! But well under the award wages. At the community meeting yesterday I also spoke to a local resident who also had trouble obtaining work here in the area (Mildura) . He believes he was turned down for the same reason, and I believe he's still looking for work.
 
There are two avenues to find farm work in Australia. One is legitimate sources like the government harvest trail website, Seek and the other job networks online. These seem to have very few regional farming jobs available, but then there are the unregulated social media or apps, in which there are literally hundreds of farming jobs available (for backpackers). Australia regards itself as the land of the fair go, but, having personally experienced what my partner is going through, and through working with Rosie, I can honestly say I no longer believe this to be true.”
 
In 2021 Andrew was acknowledged for his work on migrant worker rights in the book [https://www.penguin.com.au/books/far-from-home-9780143796398 ''Far From Home'' by Rosie Ayliffe].<ref>https://www.penguin.com.au/books/far-from-home-9780143796398</ref>  


Andrew also actively participated on behalf of 88 Days and Counting into the ''variation of the Horticultural Award'' 2020<ref name="hort">https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/award-modernisation/variation-applications/AM2020/104</ref> cross-examining witnesses and providing statements for temporary migrant workers in Australia. 
In 2017, Andrew gave evidence to the Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia in a private capacity.<ref name="SlaveryRep" /> In 2021, Andrew was acknowledged for his work on migrant worker rights in the book ''Far From Home'' by Rosie Ayliffe.{{Citation needed | date = 2021|reason=Exact quote and page(s) needed; remove refs if only a passing mentions}} Andrew also actively participated on behalf of 88 Days and Counting into the ''variation of the Horticultural Award'' 2020.<ref name="hort">{{Cite web | title = Horticulture Award 2020 | last = Fair Work Commission | url =https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/award-modernisation/variation-applications/AM2020/104 | date = 2020}}</ref>


== Positions Held ==
== Voluntary positions ==
[[File:Millions missing.png|thumb|right|upright=0.5|Andrew at a Millions Missing rally outside Melbourne state library, 2019]]
[[File:Millions missing.png|thumb|right|Andrew at a Millions Missing rally outside Melbourne state library, 2019]]
*[[Emerge Australia]] - Community Engagement Officer - 2017, Video media and live streaming - 2018
*[[Emerge Australia]] - Community Engagement Officer - 2017, Video media and live streaming - 2018
*[[ME Australia]] - Social Media Engagement officer - 2018 - onwards
*[[ME Australia]] - Social Media Engagement officer - | 2018 - onwards
*[[Millions Missing]] - Guest speaker in Melbourne, 2019<ref name="mm2019">https://meaustralia.net/millions-missing-melbourne/</ref>
*[[Millions Missing]] - Guest speaker in Melbourne, 2019<ref name="mm2019">{{Cite web | url = https://meaustralia.net/millions-missing-melbourne/ | title = Millions Missing: Melbourne | last = Bretherton | first = Andrew | author-link = | date = May 16, 2019 | website = [[ME Australia]]|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status= | access-date = 2021-10-25}}</ref>
*[[MEAction]] network promo - 2018
*[[MEAction]] network promo - 2018
*Call for Change UK - Voice Over/ Narrator 
*Call for Change UK - Voice Over/ Narrator 
*[[Call for Change for ME patients]] Australia - Organiser - 2021
*[https://www.change.org/callforchangeaustralia Call for Change for ME patients] Australia - Organizer - 2021
*Victorian Greens - people with disabilities working group Co- Convenor 2018 - Current 
*Victorian Greens - people with disabilities working group Co- Convenor 2018 to present 
*88 days and counting - Organiser 2016 - present 
*88 days and counting - Organiser 2016 to present 
*Tom and Mia's Legacy - Organiser and Spokesperson 2016 - present   
*Tom and Mia's Legacy - Organiser and Spokesperson, 2016 to present   
*Migrant workers centre - Volunteer
*Migrant workers centre - Volunteer


==Talks and interviews==
==Talks and interviews==
*[https://www.facebook.com/EmergeAustraliaInc/videos/311107219797157 Andrew speech for Missing Millions at Melbourne Rally]  
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRQRE-UNbRI 2022, The Brain Network "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Disability Advocacy & Modern Slavery with Andrew Bretherton #13 TBN]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14y52hUwjsk&t=2s 2021, TASA (The Australian Sociological Association) "Interview with Andrew Bretherton: TASA Media Voices Series"]
* [https://www.facebook.com/EmergeAustraliaInc/videos/311107219797157 Andrew speech for Missing Millions at Melbourne Rally]
*2018, [https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/watch/1334946883764 SBS - Insight - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]  
*2018, [https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/watch/1334946883764 SBS - Insight - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]  
*2018, [https://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/ ME News Australia - ‘Insight’ on chronic fatigue syndrome: Andrew’s experience]
*2018, [https://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/ ME News Australia - ‘Insight’ on chronic fatigue syndrome: Andrew’s experience]
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*[https://meaustralia.net/millions-missing-melbourne/ 2019 ME Australia - Millions Missing]  
*[https://meaustralia.net/millions-missing-melbourne/ 2019 ME Australia - Millions Missing]  
*2019, [https://abcmedia.akamaized.net/radio/local_sydney/audio/201909/nlf-2019-09-02-living-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.mp3 Nightlife - ABC Radio] (at 37:20)
*2019, [https://abcmedia.akamaized.net/radio/local_sydney/audio/201909/nlf-2019-09-02-living-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.mp3 Nightlife - ABC Radio] (at 37:20)
*[[MEAction]] promo 


===Other Advocacy work===
===Other Advocacy work===
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[[Category:Advocates or allies]]  
[[Category:Advocates or allies]]  
[[Category:Australian advocates or allies]]
[[Category:Australian advocates or allies]]
[[Category:Psychological paradigm critics]]

Latest revision as of 21:52, November 4, 2023

ME Action promotion

Andrew Bretherton is a human rights advocate, ME advocate and unionist. Andrew became an advocate for people with ME when he himself was diagnosed in 2015. Andrew campaigns for better conditions and to stop the abuse of people living with ME. He has spoken for various ME organisations in Australia and in the UK including Millions Missing, Emerge Australia, and ME Australia.[1]

Andrew is currently leading the Australian Call for Change for ME patients petition[2] and plans to submit to the Australian Disability Royal Commission and Australian Parliament to investigate the violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation currently occurring in the ME and CFS community due to outdated guidelines, policies and research.

Illness[edit | edit source]

Andrew was studying a B.A. of Psychology and Sport Science, working professionally and heavily involved in his local community when he caught Epstein-Barr virus (glandular fever) and shingles, and was struck down with M.E. He attended a well known hospital fatigue clinic and Active Health Clinic in Melbourne where he was recommended the therapies GET/CBT and high doses of dexamphetamines.[citation needed] Andrew descibes this treatment exploitative, abusive and said it reduced his functionality to the point where he was housebound and could no longer work or study.[citation needed] He later attended Dr Donald Lewis clinic CFS discovery where he received proper medical care before it closed in 2019.[citation needed] 

Andrew has described experiencing diagnosis discrimination, and found the process of applying for social supports (housing, national disability insurance scheme, disability support pension) in Australia discriminatory because services excluded people with the “ME or CFS”  label. 

In 2019, his apartment complex flooded and Andrew found himself homeless, and was admitted to hospital where he reported further medical abuse where the hospital tried to "cure" his M.E. with psychiatric treatments (e.g. more GET/CBT and antidepressants).

Andrew described his 3 year battle for access to Disability Support Pension (DSP) and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Andrew has said he believes had he had early access to appropriate services then he would be much less impaired then he is now and could have possibly avoided what happened to him.[citation needed]

Advocacy[edit | edit source]

Andrew (second from left) on SBS Insight, 2018

Andrew has publicly called for more biomedical funding and said that having ME was like "A Slow Death”.[3] He regards graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for ME/CFS as "just garbage"[4] and harmful to patients."[5]

In 2017, Andrew gave evidence to the Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia in a private capacity.[1] In 2021, Andrew was acknowledged for his work on migrant worker rights in the book Far From Home by Rosie Ayliffe.[citation needed] Andrew also actively participated on behalf of 88 Days and Counting into the variation of the Horticultural Award 2020.[6]

Voluntary positions[edit | edit source]

Andrew at a Millions Missing rally outside Melbourne state library, 2019
  • Emerge Australia - Community Engagement Officer - 2017, Video media and live streaming - 2018
  • ME Australia - Social Media Engagement officer - | 2018 - onwards
  • Millions Missing - Guest speaker in Melbourne, 2019[7]
  • MEAction network promo - 2018
  • Call for Change UK - Voice Over/ Narrator 
  • Call for Change for ME patients Australia - Organizer - 2021
  • Victorian Greens - people with disabilities working group Co- Convenor 2018 to present 
  • 88 days and counting - Organiser 2016 to present 
  • Tom and Mia's Legacy - Organiser and Spokesperson, 2016 to present   
  • Migrant workers centre - Volunteer

Talks and interviews[edit | edit source]

Other Advocacy work[edit | edit source]

Online presence[edit | edit source]

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Website/Blog
  • YouTube

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Commonwealth Parliament. "Public hearings | Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  2. Bretherton, Andrew (2021). "Call for Change for M.E. Patients in Australia | Submission to the Australian Parliament and the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Neglect, Abuse and Exploitation on behalf of the local and international ME and CFS community". Change.org. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  3. Medhora, Shalailah (October 13, 2017). "'A slow death': what it's like living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Triple J". ABC Australia. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  4. "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Insight". SBS. October 15, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  5. "Insight on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Andrew's experience". ME Australia. October 15, 2018.
  6. Fair Work Commission (2020). "Horticulture Award 2020".
  7. Bretherton, Andrew (May 16, 2019). "Millions Missing: Melbourne". ME Australia. Retrieved October 25, 2021.