PUBLIC URGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON BOXING AND COMBAT SPORTS

The Queensland Government will consult state sporting groups, medical bodies and community organisations about the potential need to regulate boxing and combat sports like martial arts, Premier Peter Beattie announced today.

Mr Beattie said combat sports had been linked with injuries to the brain, kidneys, head and neck and have even been known to result in death.

“Many organisations have their own rules or codes of conduct but there are no laws to ensure competitions are run appropriately,” Mr Beattie said.

“We need to assess whether safety risks associated with these sports justify greater regulation.

“This does not mean the Government is looking at banning these sports.

“But if we can improve the safety of competitors and improve event management through regulation then it’s obviously a worthwhile consideration.”

Mr Beattie said issues to be looked at as part of the discussion paper could include:

• Providing specific requirements relating to the conduct of contests and events;
• Prescribing an authority/commission/board as a governing body to implement and monitor legislation;
• A register of fighters/contestants
• Improved medical record keeping

The Minister for Sport, Andrew Fraser, said some medical bodies, such as the Australian Medical Association, advocated a ban on boxing.

“Other groups call for a more consolidated approach given the number of martial arts clubs across Queensland that operate under different guidelines,” Mr Fraser said.

“All these issues are worthy of consideration and that’s what the discussion paper aims to encourage.”

Mr Fraser said he wanted to ensure the safety of participants in boxing and other combat sports was not compromised.

“As it currently stands events that are banned in other states may still be conducted in Queensland. Promoters may potentially avoid restrictions in other jurisdictions by bringing their events to Queensland without due consideration to the rationale underpinning regulations in other jurisdictions,” he said.

Australian states vary in their approach to regulation of boxing and combat sports.

New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Western Australia all have regulations laws in place.

Tasmania has limited regulatory control while Queensland and the Northern Territory do not have laws specific to boxing and combat sports.

Copies of the discussion paper will be available on the Department of Local Government, Planning and Sport website and posted to stakeholders.

The public comment period will close on November 2, 2007.

Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500

Minister’s Office: 3227 8821