The state government has referred emerging combat and collision sports to a parliamentary inquiry, amid questions over whether current laws can keep up with new activities and underground fight clubs.
The NSW Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Issues will examine whether the state’s regulatory framework is keeping pace with emerging activities, and whether the Combat Sports Act 2013 remains fit for purpose.
“We need to make sure our laws keep pace with the way collision and combat sports are evolving,” said Minister for Sport Steve Kamper.
“This inquiry will look at the activities emerging in NSW, how they are regulated elsewhere and whether our current framework provides the protections participants and the community expect.”
“Importantly, it will also examine underground and backyard fight clubs and whether organisers are finding ways around existing regulation.”
The referral comes as new and emerging forms of combat and collision based activities gain attention in Australia, including bareknuckle boxing, power slap and other formats. Recent reports of organised underground and backyard fight events in NSW have also highlighted questions about whether existing laws are able to effectively regulate these activities and protect participants.
The committee will consider whether emerging activities, including collision sports, bareknuckle boxing and power slap, should be characterised and regulated as combat sports or another category, to ensure appropriate participant protections and public safety. It will also examine whether the Combat Sports Act 2013 remains suitable to regulate emerging activities, underground fight clubs and other comparable activities, and look at the regulatory approaches adopted in other Australian and international jurisdictions.
Legislative and regulatory reforms needed to improve participant safety, strengthen harm minimisation and ensure appropriate oversight are also on the table, alongside reforms to improve the investigation and regulation of organised underground and backyard fight clubs, including activities that seek to circumvent the Combat Sports Act 2013.
“The safety of participants and the public must remain the priority of how we regulate combat sports in NSW,” Mr Kamper said.
The inquiry will provide an opportunity to consider whether changes are needed to ensure NSW has a clear and effective regulatory framework as new forms of combat and collision based activities emerge.
Submissions to the inquiry can be made through the NSW Parliament website here.
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