Shocking Blow for Senator Jacqui Lambie: Chronic Back Condition Forces Her to Undergo Spinal Surgery, Parliament Absence Looms
- Senator Lambie’s chronic back condition has deteriorated, requiring urgent spinal surgery
- She will miss the final two parliamentary sitting terms of the year, leaving her team to carry on her work
- The condition is a result of an injury sustained during her time in the Australian Army, leading to a lifetime of pain and struggle
Senator Jacqui Lambie’s long battle with a chronic back condition has reached a critical point, forcing her to undergo spinal surgery in the coming weeks. The independent Tasmanian senator’s office announced the devastating news, revealing that her condition has rapidly deteriorated over the past three months.
The surgery will require Lambie to take bed rest and minimal movement until the operation, rendering her unable to attend the final two parliamentary sitting terms of the year. In a statement, her office assured that her parliamentary advisory team will remain in Canberra to ensure her work continues uninterrupted, advocating for the people of Tasmania and the veteran community.
Lambie’s chronic back condition stems from an injury sustained during a training exercise when she was an 18-year-old soldier in the Australian Army. The condition ultimately led to her medical discharge 11 years later, in 2000. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs initially cancelled her military pension, claiming she was no longer injured, but Lambie fought the decision through the courts and eventually won.
In a heartbreaking development, Lambie has previously spoken about the toll the injury took on her life, including heavy painkiller use and a suicide attempt in 2009. Despite these challenges, she went on to secure a seat in the Senate, becoming a prominent advocate for veterans’ rights. Her courageous fight has inspired countless Australians, and her absence from parliament will undoubtedly be felt.
If you are a current or former ADF member, or a relative, and need counselling or support, you can contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046. Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636. Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.