My Position on Vaccination
By Dr Brian Walker MLC - Member for Western Australia, WA Legislative Council, Leader of the Legalise Cannabis Party WA
In March 2025, comments I made in a podcast interview were reported by ABC News in the context of autism and vaccination. I understand why those comments caused concern, and I want to be clear about where I stand.
I want to be direct about where I stand as a doctor and as a parliamentarian.
Let me begin with the clearest statement I can make:
Vaccines save lives. I support the Australian childhood immunisation schedule. I accept the evidence that vaccines do not cause autism.
That is my medical position, held across more than 45 years as a practising General Practitioner.
Why I Am Clarifying This
In that interview, I was trying to discuss how doctors handle evidence and public communication. I did not express that as clearly as I should have. Public comments about vaccination need to be precise, because imprecision can create doubt where the evidence is clear.
So I want to state this plainly: I support vaccination, I support the Australian childhood immunisation schedule, and I accept the evidence that vaccines do not cause autism.
My Medical Position
I have four things to say clearly.
First: vaccines save lives. Smallpox, polio, measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases show why immunisation matters. I do not take those achievements lightly.
Second: I support the Australian childhood immunisation schedule. Parents should follow the Australian Immunisation Handbook and seek advice from their GP or immunisation provider.
Third: medicine should be evidence-led and open to review. That does not mean every claim has equal weight.
Fourth: clinical observations are not population-level evidence. On vaccines and autism, the evidence does not support a causal link.
Evidence and Guidance
My position is guided by the Australian Immunisation Handbook, ATAGI advice, and major public health bodies including the World Health Organization.
The recommended childhood immunisation schedule exists for good reasons. Delaying scheduled vaccines can leave children and the community exposed to preventable disease.
Parents with questions should speak with a GP, immunisation provider, or other qualified medical professional who can give advice based on their child's circumstances and the best available evidence.
Clearer Public Communication
I understand why this issue causes concern. I also understand that unclear public comments can create unnecessary doubt. That is not my intention.
I should have been clearer. Public comments about vaccination must be precise, because imprecision can undermine confidence in important public health advice.
My position is simple: vaccination is one of the most important public health measures we have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brian Walker anti-vaccination?
No. Dr Walker supports the Australian childhood immunisation schedule and recommends parents seek advice from qualified medical professionals.
Does Brian Walker believe vaccines cause autism?
No. The evidence does not support a causal link between vaccines and autism.
Does Brian Walker recommend delaying childhood vaccination?
No. Parents should follow the Australian childhood immunisation schedule. Delaying scheduled vaccines can leave children and the community exposed to preventable disease.
What is Dr Walker's medical background?
Dr Walker has practised as a General Practitioner for more than 45 years. He currently practises at Next Practice Health in Claremont, Western Australia, and has been elected twice to the WA Legislative Council.
Is Brian Walker anti-science?
No. Dr Walker supports evidence-based medicine, vaccination, and public health guidance based on high-quality evidence.
A Final Word
I have practised medicine for more than 45 years. I have seen the value of prevention, public health, and clear medical advice.
My position on vaccination is clear: I support vaccination, I support the childhood immunisation schedule, and I encourage parents to rely on qualified medical advice when making decisions for their children.
Vaccines save lives.
Follow qualified medical advice.
Protect children and the community.
Dr Brian Walker MLC
Member for Western Australia, WA Legislative Council
Leader of the Legalise Cannabis Party WA
Practising GP, Next Practice Health, Claremont WA