MEpedia - User contributions [en]

Andrew Bretherton

2022-02-01T01:40:35Z

Andyroo11:/* Talks and interviews */

{{Cleanup/Editorial|date=Oct 2021}}
[[File:ME Action Promo.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.75|
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 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=":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>

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|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|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[[Medical_neglect_and_abuse|abuse]] and exploitation currently occurring in the ME and CFS community due to outdated guidelines, policies and research.

==Illness ==
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 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.{{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 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 neglect and abuse#Abuse|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|reason=|date=25 October 2021}}

==Advocacy==
[[File:Insight Panel.png|thumb|right|
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”.<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|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|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=|authorlink=|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" /> 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>

== Voluntary positions ==
[[File:Millions missing.png|thumb|right|upright=0.5|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<ref name="mm2019">{{Cite web|url=https://meaustralia.net/millions-missing-melbourne/|title=Millions Missing: Melbourne|last=Bretherton|first=Andrew|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|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
*Call for Change UK - Voice Over/ Narrator
*[https://www.change.org/callforchangeaustralia 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==
* [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://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/ ME News Australia - ‘Insight’ on chronic fatigue syndrome: Andrew’s experience]
*2017, [https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/what-its-like-living-with-chronic-fatigue/9046886 'A slow death': what it’s like living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]
*[https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/hack/9045020 Living with Chronic Fatigue]
*[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)

===Other Advocacy work===
*2021, [https://www.facebook.com/samira.karimi569/videos/503867967667605 Andrew’s speech on slavery outside Parliament House, Melbourne]

==Online presence==
*Twitter
*Facebook
*Instagram
*LinkedIn
*Website/Blog
*YouTube

==See also==
*[[Millions Missing]]
*[[Emerge Australia]]
*[[ME Australia]]
*[[Australia]]

==Learn more==
*[https://www.change.org/p/australian-parliament-call-for-change-for-me-patients-australia Call for Change for M.E. Patients] - petition

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:People with ME, CFS, and/or FMS]]
[[Category:Advocates or allies]]
[[Category:Australian advocates or allies]]
[[Category:Psychological paradigm critics]]

Andrew Bretherton

2021-10-27T01:26:05Z

Andyroo11:/* Illness */

{{Cleanup/Editorial|date=Oct 2021}}
[[File:ME Action Promo.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.75|
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 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=":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>

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|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|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.

==Illness ==
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 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.{{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 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 neglect and abuse#Abuse|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|reason=|date=25 October 2021}}

==Advocacy==
[[File:Insight Panel.png|thumb|right|
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”.<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|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|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=|authorlink=|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/|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" /> 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">https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/award-modernisation/variation-applications/AM2020/104</ref>

== Positions Held ==
[[File:Millions missing.png|thumb|right|upright=0.5|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<ref name="mm2019">{{Cite web|url=https://meaustralia.net/millions-missing-melbourne/|title=Millions Missing: Melbourne|last=Bretherton|first=Andrew|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|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
*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==
*[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://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/ ME News Australia - ‘Insight’ on chronic fatigue syndrome: Andrew’s experience]
*2017, [https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/what-its-like-living-with-chronic-fatigue/9046886 'A slow death': what it’s like living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]
*[https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/hack/9045020 Living with Chronic Fatigue]
*[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)

===Other Advocacy work===
*2021, [https://www.facebook.com/samira.karimi569/videos/503867967667605 Andrew’s speech on slavery outside Parliament House, Melbourne]

==Online presence==
*Twitter
*Facebook
*Instagram
*LinkedIn
*Website/Blog
*YouTube

==See also==
*[[Millions Missing]]
*[[Emerge Australia]]
*[[ME Australia]]
*[[Australia]]

==Learn more==
*[https://www.change.org/p/australian-parliament-call-for-change-for-me-patients-australia Call for Change for M.E. Patients] - petition

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:People with ME, CFS, and/or FMS]]
[[Category:Advocates or allies]]
[[Category:Australian advocates or allies]]
[[Category:Psychological paradigm critics]]

Andrew Bretherton

2021-10-23T09:30:00Z

Andyroo11:corrected the advocacy statement

{{Cleanup/Editorial|date=Oct 2021}}
[[File:ME Action Promo.jpg|thumb|324x324px|
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 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.

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 ==
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 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.

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]])

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.

==Advocacy==
[[File:Insight Panel.png|thumb|right|
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

In 2017, Andrew gave evidence to the Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia on behalf of Tom & Mia's Legacy 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.

== Positions Held ==
[[File:Millions missing.png|thumb|right|upright=0.5|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<ref name="mm2019">https://meaustralia.net/millions-missing-melbourne/</ref>
*[[MEAction]] network promo - 2018
*Call for Change UK - Voice Over/ Narrator
*[[Call for Change for ME patients]] Australia - Organiser - 2021
*Victorian Greens - people with disabilities working group Co- Convenor 2018 - Current
*88 days and counting - Organiser 2016 - present
*Tom and Mia's Legacy - Organiser and Spokesperson 2016 - present
*Migrant workers centre - Volunteer

==Talks and interviews==
*[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://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/ ME News Australia - ‘Insight’ on chronic fatigue syndrome: Andrew’s experience]
*2017, [https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/what-its-like-living-with-chronic-fatigue/9046886 'A slow death': what it’s like living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]
*[https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/hack/9045020 Living with Chronic Fatigue]
*[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)
*[[MEAction]] promo

===Other Advocacy work===
*2021, [https://www.facebook.com/samira.karimi569/videos/503867967667605 Andrew’s speech on slavery outside Parliament House, Melbourne]

==Online presence==
*Twitter
*Facebook
*Instagram
*LinkedIn
*Website/Blog
*YouTube

==See also==
*[[Millions Missing]]
*[[Emerge Australia]]
*[[ME Australia]]
*[[Australia]]

==Learn more==
*[https://www.change.org/p/australian-parliament-call-for-change-for-me-patients-australia Call for Change for M.E. Patients] - petition

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:People with ME, CFS, and/or FMS]]
[[Category:Advocates or allies]]
[[Category:Australian advocates or allies]]

User talk:Simone

2021-10-21T13:43:54Z

Andyroo11:/* Hi Simone, -- ~~~~ */ new section

== Hi Simone, -- [[User:Andyroo11|Andyroo11]] ([[User talk:Andyroo11|talk]]) 13:43, October 21, 2021 (UTC) ==

As you would know I was at Emerge well before you, and I held a 6hr a week 6 month minimum commitment contract with Emerge as their community engagement officer in 2017. (as well as other various odd jobs and media I participated with emerge over the years) I still have the signed contract from my manager Laura Bos and CEO at the time John Jeffries.

I finished up with Emerge before your unfortunate arrival in 2019. I was quite clear with you then during our last exchange I no longer wish to engage with you and blocked you from all contact due to your continued harassment, gaslighting and bullying behaviour, So imagine my surprise to now see you here now editing my Mepedia page.

I have had nothing to do with you or even mentioned you or your MEANA (ME ADVOCACY NETWORK AUSTRALIA) group since then, I would thank you to not to use your platforms to spread unsolicited rumours about the call for change petition (as no one from MEANA or yourself has reached out to us, and unlike you I have respected your privacy enough not contact or engage with you after our halt in communication) nor should I have you try to actively rewrite my history or undermine my social media and advocacy.

I will be following up with a formal complaint to both the Emerge president and the CEO not only about your behaviour but also your conflicts of interests managing other ME/CFS groups while holding your current role at Emerge (compromising both the independence and security of Emerge). The Emerge Employee contract states "I further undertake to inform my supervisor or the CEO immediately if I become aware of any breech of privacy or security relating to the information I access in the course of my duties" as you are the current research director and publicly falsifying records on a former Emerge staff members history you are in direct breech of employee privacy and security covered under Fairwork Australia's employee privacy act.

If this cyberstalking behaviour continues I will also follow up with a formal complaint to the Australian Psychological Society about your conduct, and the Australian eSafety commissioner about your continued harassment.

To reiterate once again, I do not want any further contact or bullying from you or your pages and will remind you of the current changes in defamation law that makes you liable for any defamatory posts that are allowed to be published on your social media sites - Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd v Voller

Andrew.

Andrew Bretherton

2021-10-21T12:25:11Z

Andyroo11:/* Voluntary work */

{{Cleanup/Editorial|date=Oct 2021}}
[[File:ME Action Promo.jpg|thumb|324x324px|
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 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.

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 ==
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 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.

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]])

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.

==Advocacy==
[[File:Insight Panel.png|thumb|right|
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

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.

== Positions Held ==
[[File:Millions missing.png|thumb|right|upright=0.5|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<ref name="mm2019">https://meaustralia.net/millions-missing-melbourne/</ref>
*[[MEAction]] network promo - 2018
*Call for Change UK - Voice Over/ Narrator
*[[Call for Change for ME patients]] Australia - Organiser - 2021
*Victorian Greens - people with disabilities working group Co- Convenor 2018 - Current
*88 days and counting - Organiser 2016 - present
*Tom and Mia's Legacy - Organiser and Spokesperson 2016 - present
*Migrant workers centre - Volunteer

==Talks and interviews==
*[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://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/ ME News Australia - ‘Insight’ on chronic fatigue syndrome: Andrew’s experience]
*2017, [https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/what-its-like-living-with-chronic-fatigue/9046886 'A slow death': what it’s like living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]
*[https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/hack/9045020 Living with Chronic Fatigue]
*[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)
*[[MEAction]] promo

===Other Advocacy work===
*2021, [https://www.facebook.com/samira.karimi569/videos/503867967667605 Andrew’s speech on slavery outside Parliament House, Melbourne]

==Online presence==
*Twitter
*Facebook
*Instagram
*LinkedIn
*Website/Blog
*YouTube

==See also==
*[[Millions Missing]]
*[[Emerge Australia]]
*[[ME Australia]]
*[[Australia]]

==Learn more==
*[https://www.change.org/p/australian-parliament-call-for-change-for-me-patients-australia Call for Change for M.E. Patients] - petition

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:People with ME, CFS, and/or FMS]]
[[Category:Advocates or allies]]
[[Category:Australian advocates or allies]]

File:Proof Andrew worked for emerge .jpg

2021-10-21T10:40:57Z

Andyroo11:

proof of andrew's position at emerge

Talk:Andrew Bretherton

2021-10-21T10:09:45Z

Andyroo11:/* Neutrality */

== Emerge Australia - name confusion -- ~[[User:Notjusttired|Njt]] ([[User talk:Notjusttired|talk]]) 23:22, October 19, 2021 (UTC) ==

The Andrew Bretherton on the board at Emerge Australia is described as having 40 years of work experience so clearly not the same Andrew Bretherton that this article is about.[https://www.emerge.org.au/faqs/board Emerge's Andrew Bretherton – Secretary A banking lawyer with over 40 years experience] ~[[User:Notjusttired|Njt]] ([[User talk:Notjusttired|talk]]) 23:22, October 19, 2021 (UTC)

===Re: Emerge Australia - name confusion -- [[User:Andyroo11|Andyroo11]] ([[User talk:Andyroo11|talk]]) 09:55, October 21, 2021 (UTC)===

: Replace this text with your reply

This is quite obviously a different person to the younger Andrew Bretherton mentioned on the mepedia page "Andrew Bretherton" the emerge board member and lawyer is a different person as you can clearly see here: https://www.tglaw.com.au/corporate/staff/andrew-bretherton/. both have worked with emerge and the MEpedia article states clearly what positions the younger Andrew held.

==Date confusion and sources==
Sources are needed to clarify Andrew's timeline and voluntary work.
* Article states he was diagnosed in 2015, but [http://web.archive.org/web/20181015081927/https://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/ Insight articles online] states early 2016.
* More sources about Andrew written by others are needed, including organizations he represents at certain events or has an official ir unofficial role in, e.g. Tom and Mia's legacy, 88 and counting, Victorian Greens. ~[[User:Notjusttired|Njt]] ([[User talk:Notjusttired|talk]]) 23:22, October 19, 2021 (UTC)

===Re: Date confusion and sources -- [[User:Andyroo11|Andyroo11]] ([[User talk:Andyroo11|talk]]) 10:04, October 21, 2021 (UTC)===

: Replace this text with your reply

The article you linked has no mention of diagnosis date. no statement of 2016.

MEpedia page has links to the far from home book where Andrew is mentioned as working for tom and mias legacy and links to the inquiry into the horticultural award where 88days and counting are mention and lists Andrew by name.

==Neutrality ==
We can't state that certain things did happen or were abusive without independent verification, so wording for these may need changing e.g. Andrew has spoken publicly about undergoing graded exercise therapy... Andrew described his early medical treatment as abusive, etc. Any further sources by others backing this up would be a great help. See also pages on the [[:Category:Ethics]] - some Australian evidence would be very welcome there. ~[[User:Notjusttired|Njt]] ([[User talk:Notjusttired|talk]]) 23:22, October 19, 2021 (UTC)

===Re: Neutrality -- [[User:Andyroo11|Andyroo11]] ([[User talk:Andyroo11|talk]]) 10:09, October 21, 2021 (UTC)===

: Replace this text with your reply

andrews statements on the abuse are linked in the mepedia page. both ME australia articles and Insight program the page itself says "where Andrew said" so it's andrew's point of view

Talk:Andrew Bretherton

2021-10-21T10:04:47Z

Andyroo11:/* Date confusion and sources */

Talk:Andrew Bretherton

2021-10-21T09:55:40Z

Andyroo11:/* Emerge Australia - name confusion -- ~Njt (talk) 23:22, October 19, 2021 (UTC) */

== Emerge Australia - name confusion -- ~[[User:Notjusttired|Njt]] ([[User talk:Notjusttired|talk]]) 23:22, October 19, 2021 (UTC) ==

The Andrew Bretherton on the board at Emerge Australia is described as having 40 years of work experience so clearly not the same Andrew Bretherton that this article is about.[https://www.emerge.org.au/faqs/board Emerge's Andrew Bretherton – Secretary A banking lawyer with over 40 years experience] ~[[User:Notjusttired|Njt]] ([[User talk:Notjusttired|talk]]) 23:22, October 19, 2021 (UTC)

===Re: Emerge Australia - name confusion -- [[User:Andyroo11|Andyroo11]] ([[User talk:Andyroo11|talk]]) 09:55, October 21, 2021 (UTC)===

: Replace this text with your reply

This is quite obviously a different person to the younger Andrew Bretherton mentioned on the mepedia page "Andrew Bretherton" the emerge board member and lawyer is a different person as you can clearly see here: https://www.tglaw.com.au/corporate/staff/andrew-bretherton/. both have worked with emerge and the MEpedia article states clearly what positions the younger Andrew held.

==Date confusion and sources==
Sources are needed to clarify Andrew's timeline and voluntary work.
* Article states he was diagnosed in 2015, but [http://web.archive.org/web/20181015081927/https://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/ Insight articles online] states early 2016.
* More sources about Andrew written by others are needed, including organizations he represents at certain events or has an official ir unofficial role in, e.g. Tom and Mia's legacy, 88 and counting, Victorian Greens. ~[[User:Notjusttired|Njt]] ([[User talk:Notjusttired|talk]]) 23:22, October 19, 2021 (UTC)

==Neutrality ==
We can't state that certain things did happen or were abusive without independent verification, so wording for these may need changing e.g. Andrew has spoken publicly about undergoing graded exercise therapy... Andrew described his early medical treatment as abusive, etc. Any further sources by others backing this up would be a great help. See also pages on the [[:Category:Ethics]] - some Australian evidence would be very welcome there. ~[[User:Notjusttired|Njt]] ([[User talk:Notjusttired|talk]]) 23:22, October 19, 2021 (UTC)

Emerge Australia

2021-10-15T12:22:21Z

Andyroo11:link for Paul Fisher and updated info on emerge ceo

'''Emerge Australia''' efforts include peer support groups, Health Promotion activities, awareness and fundraising activities, advocacy, seminars and a dedicated Member information service. They produce a quarterly ''Emerge Journal''.

"We are determined to strengthen the national response to [[ME/CFS]] and welcome and encourage all State and Territory organisations, communities and individuals to join with us as we move forward with hope, vigour and a commitment to lead."<ref>[http://emerge.org.au/about-us/ Emerge Australia - About Us]</ref>

The current CEO of Emerge Australia is [https://www.emerge.org.au/blog/welcome-to-our-new-ceo-anne-wilson Anne Wilson].

==Aims==
From [https://emerge.org.au/mission-vision/#.WEb9xIXwMmQ Emerge Australian website]:
<blockquote>Mission - To support, provide information and advocacy for people associated with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Vision - Universal awareness and acknowledgement of ME/CFS as a medical condition.

Values - To serve the best interests of people affected by ME/CFS with integrity, compassion and empathy.</blockquote>

==Funding==
In July 2018, Emerge Australia received $370,000 in Federal Department of Health funding to support its work.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.miragenews.com/emerge-australia-welcomes-370-000-in-federal-funding/|title=Emerge Australia welcomes $370,000 in Federal funding|date=2018-07-17|work=Mirage News|access-date=2018-08-03|language=en-US}}</ref>

==History==
The 'ME Society' was formed in 1980 in Victoria, and included patients from Tasmania, South [[Australia]] and Western Australia. The New South Wales and ACT societies formed independently, at the same time. The society's quarterly information brochure, 'Emerge', began in 1980.<ref>[http://emerge.org.au/mission-vision/history/#.Vtp8nJx97tQ Emerge Australia - History]</ref> In 2014, the society was renamed from 'ME/CFS Australia (Victoria)' to 'Emerge Australia'.

Chief Executive Officer 2015-2016 Amanda Kelly

Chief Executive Officer 2016 - Leisl Jackson (acting)

Chief Executive Officer 2016-2017 - Elizabeth Logan

Chief Executive Officer 2017-2018 - John Jeffries

Chief Executive Officer 2019 - 2020 - Heidi Nicholl

Chief Executive Officer 2021 - Anne Wilson

==Advocacy actions==
*2016: An open letter is sent to [[Queen Mary University of London]], and the Information Commissioner's Office in the [[UK]], asking for the release of the [[PACE trial]] data.<ref name="openletrEmergeAust" />

==Talks and interviews==
*[https://vimeo.com/emergeaustralia Vimeo channel - Emerge seminars]
*24 Sept 2013 [https://soundcloud.com/emergeaustralia/me-phillips-radio-interview "ME Phillips Radio Interview 2013"]
*20 May 2014, [https://soundcloud.com/emergeaustralia/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-774 "ME/CFS 774 ABC Radio 2014 Richard Stubbs and Nicole Phillips"]
*27 May 2014, [https://soundcloud.com/emergeaustralia/me-part-1-byron-bay-lighthouse-fm-may-2014 "ME Part 1 Byron Bay Lighthouse FM MAY 2014"]
*27 May 2014, [https://soundcloud.com/emergeaustralia/me-part-2-byron-bay-lighthouse-fm-may-2014 "ME Part 2 Byron Bay Lighthouse FM MAY 2014"]
*23 Feb 2016, [http://thewire.org.au/story/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-chronically-underfunded/ ''The Wire Radio'' in Australia covers the dismal research spending into] [[ME]] and interviews patient [[Sasha Nimmo]], former Senator [[Scott Ludlam]] and [[Sally Missing]], President of Emerge Australia

* 2 Sep 2019, [https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/living-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/11472388 Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]: Dr Heidi Nicholl, former Emerge CEO along with Researcher Professor [[Paul Fisher]] interviewed by Philip Clark on ''Nightlife''

==Online presence==
* [https://www.facebook.com/EmergeAustraliaInc FaceBook]
* [https://www.givenow.com.au/cause267 Give Now (donations)]
* [https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerge-australia-inc Linked In]
* [https://twitter.com/EmergeAus Twitter]
* [http://emerge.org.au Website]

==See also==
*[[Australia]]
*[[Australian ME/CFS Biobank]]

==Learn more==
*[http://emerge.org.au/ Emerge Australia website]

==References==
<references>
<ref name="openletrEmergeAust">{{citation
| author = Emerge Australia | authorlink1 = Emerge Australia
| title = Open Letter to QMUL - Request for the release of PACE trial data
| date = 20 Mar 2016
| url = http://emerge.org.au/pace-trial-letter/?ct=t(April_newsletter07_04_2016)#.VxCS5KR97tS
}}</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Patient groups]]
[[Category:Australian patient groups]]

Emerge Australia

2021-10-15T12:15:34Z

Andyroo11:updated the info of emerge's new CEO

'''Emerge Australia''' efforts include peer support groups, Health Promotion activities, awareness and fundraising activities, advocacy, seminars and a dedicated Member information service. They produce a quarterly ''Emerge Journal''.

"We are determined to strengthen the national response to [[ME/CFS]] and welcome and encourage all State and Territory organisations, communities and individuals to join with us as we move forward with hope, vigour and a commitment to lead."<ref>[http://emerge.org.au/about-us/ Emerge Australia - About Us]</ref>

The current CEO of Emerge Australia is [https://www.emerge.org.au/blog/welcome-to-our-new-ceo-anne-wilson Anne Wilson].

==Aims==
From [https://emerge.org.au/mission-vision/#.WEb9xIXwMmQ Emerge Australian website]:
<blockquote>Mission - To support, provide information and advocacy for people associated with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Vision - Universal awareness and acknowledgement of ME/CFS as a medical condition.

Values - To serve the best interests of people affected by ME/CFS with integrity, compassion and empathy.</blockquote>

==Funding==
In July 2018, Emerge Australia received $370,000 in Federal Department of Health funding to support its work.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.miragenews.com/emerge-australia-welcomes-370-000-in-federal-funding/|title=Emerge Australia welcomes $370,000 in Federal funding|date=2018-07-17|work=Mirage News|access-date=2018-08-03|language=en-US}}</ref>

==History==
The 'ME Society' was formed in 1980 in Victoria, and included patients from Tasmania, South [[Australia]] and Western Australia. The New South Wales and ACT societies formed independently, at the same time. The society's quarterly information brochure, 'Emerge', began in 1980.<ref>[http://emerge.org.au/mission-vision/history/#.Vtp8nJx97tQ Emerge Australia - History]</ref> In 2014, the society was renamed from 'ME/CFS Australia (Victoria)' to 'Emerge Australia'.

Chief Executive Officer 2015-2016 Amanda Kelly

Chief Executive Officer 2016 - Leisl Jackson (acting)

Chief Executive Officer 2016-2017 - Elizabeth Logan

Chief Executive Officer 2017-2018 - John Jeffries

Chief Executive Officer 2019 - 2020 - Heidi Nicholl

Chief Executive Officer 2021 - Anne Wilson

==Advocacy actions==
*2016: An open letter is sent to [[Queen Mary University of London]], and the Information Commissioner's Office in the [[UK]], asking for the release of the [[PACE trial]] data.<ref name="openletrEmergeAust" />

==Talks and interviews==
*[https://vimeo.com/emergeaustralia Vimeo channel - Emerge seminars]
*24 Sept 2013 [https://soundcloud.com/emergeaustralia/me-phillips-radio-interview "ME Phillips Radio Interview 2013"]
*20 May 2014, [https://soundcloud.com/emergeaustralia/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-774 "ME/CFS 774 ABC Radio 2014 Richard Stubbs and Nicole Phillips"]
*27 May 2014, [https://soundcloud.com/emergeaustralia/me-part-1-byron-bay-lighthouse-fm-may-2014 "ME Part 1 Byron Bay Lighthouse FM MAY 2014"]
*27 May 2014, [https://soundcloud.com/emergeaustralia/me-part-2-byron-bay-lighthouse-fm-may-2014 "ME Part 2 Byron Bay Lighthouse FM MAY 2014"]
*23 Feb 2016, [http://thewire.org.au/story/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-chronically-underfunded/ ''The Wire Radio'' in Australia covers the dismal research spending into] [[ME]] and interviews patient [[Sasha Nimmo]], former Senator [[Scott Ludlam]] and [[Sally Missing]], President of Emerge Australia

* 2 Sep 2019, [https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/living-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/11472388 Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]: Dr Heidi Nicholl, the Chief Executive at Emerge Australia along with Researcher Professor Paul Fisher interviewed by Philip Clark on ''Nightlife''

==Online presence==
* [https://www.facebook.com/EmergeAustraliaInc FaceBook]
* [https://www.givenow.com.au/cause267 Give Now (donations)]
* [https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerge-australia-inc Linked In]
* [https://twitter.com/EmergeAus Twitter]
* [http://emerge.org.au Website]

==See also==
*[[Australia]]
*[[Australian ME/CFS Biobank]]

==Learn more==
*[http://emerge.org.au/ Emerge Australia website]

==References==
<references>
<ref name="openletrEmergeAust">{{citation
| author = Emerge Australia | authorlink1 = Emerge Australia
| title = Open Letter to QMUL - Request for the release of PACE trial data
| date = 20 Mar 2016
| url = http://emerge.org.au/pace-trial-letter/?ct=t(April_newsletter07_04_2016)#.VxCS5KR97tS
}}</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Patient groups]]
[[Category:Australian patient groups]]

Andrew Bretherton

2021-10-15T11:41:48Z

Andyroo11:My history and photos of my advocacy :P as I am the person talked about. (Andrew Bretherton) also some grammar and cosmetic issues :P

[[File:ME Action Promo.jpg|thumb|324x324px|
ME Action promotion [[File:Insight Panel.png|thumb|
Andrew (second from left) on SBS Insight program
]]]]
'''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 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.

He has also given evidence to the [https://www.aph.gov.au/modernslavery Australian modern slavery inquiry 2016]<ref>https://www.aph.gov.au/modernslavery</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 a [https://chng.it/mNbnkz9ZSN Call For Change Australia petition]<ref>https://chng.it/mNbnkz9ZSN</ref> (an Australian Version of '''Dr. K.N. Hng''', a.k.a '''[[Robin Brown|Robin Brown's]]''' [https://www.change.org/p/uk-parliament-after-the-debate-call-for-change-for-me-patients 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''' ==
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 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.

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]])

It took Andrew 3 years to access the DSP and 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.

== '''Advocacy''' ==
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

In 2018 Andrew gave evidence to the Inquiry into establishing a [https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018A00153 Modern Slavery Act] in Australia on behalf of Tom & Mia’s legacy and his partner at the time.
[[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.
[[File:Far from home.jpg|thumb|
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/far-from-home-9780143796398
]]
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 [https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/award-modernisation/variation-applications/AM2020/104 variation of the Horticultural Award 2020] <ref>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.

== '''Positions held:''' ==
[[File:Millions missing.png|thumb|
Andrew speaking at a Millions Missing rally outside Melbourne state library
]]
Emerge Australia - Community Engagement officer - 2017

Emerge Australia - Video media and live streaming - 2018

ME Australia - Social Media Engagement officer - 2018 - onwards

Millions Missing - Guest speaker 2019

ME action network promo - 2018

Call for Change UK - Voice Over/ Narrator

Call for Change Australia - Organiser - 2021

Victorian greens people with disabilities working group Co- Convenor 2018 - Current

88 days and counting - Organiser 2016 - present

Tom and Mia’s Legacy - Organiser and Spokesperson 2016 - present

Migrant workers centre - Volunteer

== '''Media Coverage:''' ==

*[https://www.facebook.com/EmergeAustraliaInc/videos/311107219797157 Andrew speech for Missing Millions at Melbourne Rally]

*[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://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/what-its-like-living-with-chronic-fatigue/9046886 'A slow death': what it’s like living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]
*[https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/hack/9045020 Living with Chronic Fatigue]
*[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)

*ME action network promo

== '''Other Advocacy work:''' ==

*[https://www.facebook.com/samira.karimi569/videos/503867967667605 Andrew’s speech on Slavery outside Parliament House Melbourne]. February 2021

==References==

[[Category:People with ME, CFS, and/or FMS]]
[[Category:Advocates or allies]]
[[Category:Australian advocates or allies]]
<references />

File:Triple J hack.png

2021-10-15T10:43:53Z

Andyroo11:

Radio interview with Triple J

File:Millions missing.png

2021-10-15T10:32:47Z

Andyroo11:

Andrew presenting at Millions Missing with Emerge

File:Insight Panel.png

2021-10-15T10:21:25Z

Andyroo11:

behind the scenes on the Insight program

File:ME Action Promo.jpg

2021-10-15T10:07:41Z

Andyroo11:

Andrew in a promo for ME Action