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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 6 Hansard (19 June) . . Page.. 1900 ..

MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NUMBER 424

Martial Arts Schools

Ms McRae asked the Minister for Sport and Recreation - In relation to Martial Arts Schools in the ACT -

(1) Is there a code of conduct in place for the schools.

(2) If not, are the schools regulated or monitored in any way.

(3) If so, (a) what are the regulations; and (b) how are the schools monitored.

Mr Stefaniak - the answer to the Member's question is as follows:

(1) A Code of Conduct

Currently, there is no Code of Conduct covering the conduct of Martial Arts Schools in the ACT. However, there is provision under the Fair Trading Act 1992 for a mandatory code of conduct to be developed and implemented.

The term "martial arts" is a generic term (similar to football) used to describe various disciplines of martial arts like karate, kung-fu, aikido, kendo renmei, judo, ju-jitsuans, taekwondo, koshiki, savate, silat, sports chanbara, Thai boxing, tai chi chuan, wu shu and kick boxing.

At the moment, there is a plethora of martial arts organisations involved in a wide range of disciplines throughout Australia, many of which are commercially driven and, as a result are fragmented in their operations.

In Australia martial arts classes are offered by a diverse group of providers, including private businesses, traditional sports clubs some of which are affiliated with community groups and individuals engaged by municipal recreation centres. Classes are conducted in a wide range of facilities such as private clubs, school/church halls and indoor and outdoor community facilities.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has spent a considerable amount of time attempting to resolve the range of issues that arise involving the martial arts. In light of the size and profile of the sport and the ASC's priorities for sports development, the Commission has determined only to recognise, assist or fund those martial arts sports that are on the program of the Olympic or Commonwealth Games.

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