Page 1198 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 2 April 2019
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The combat sports industry is quite dispersed. There is no one governing body that oversees combat sports, and in many instances there are multiple players inside single combat sports. This means that there is an inconsistency in the rules that are applied which can result in safety and integrity risks. There is a clear need for minimum safety standards, and for the government to set these for the industry. No other sport is like combat sports, in the sense that the potential for head injury is managed very differently. No other sport allows a player eight to 10 seconds to get up after a hard knockdown to keep playing. Players in other contact sports are removed from play immediately. This is not the case for combat sports, and to change it would fundamentally change the nature of the sports.
The government has chosen to manage the safety risks by setting minimum standards for consistency across the industry. Integrity also needs to be the focus. We know from other jurisdictions that there are issues with some operations in the sector. Where there is a vested interest in outcomes of contests that is illegal or legal, contestant safety may be put at risk. There can be a risk of illegal activity, and, if so, to innocent members of the public who are spectating.
Many in the industry have asked the government to act and to regulate. As such the government has been working with the sector over recent years to improve standards and prepare them for these reforms. This included updating the industry code of practice in early 2018 to make those expectations clear.
The government has worked with the industry to meet deadlines for submission of event details, to ensure appropriate checks can be undertaken before event approval is given. The government has also maintained a firm position on safety matters, including medical clearances and reporting to other regulating jurisdictions. The industry wants the government to act, so it is my position that we must proceed with this bill in order to better support the combat sports industry to be about sport and the benefits of participation that it can offer.
Improving safety standards is a major part of how this will be addressed. The safety matters detailed in the bill are extensive and well researched. These include requirements for medical screening on an annual basis for registered contestants through the certificate of fitness; pre-event medical screening to ensure contestants are fit to compete at a specific event; compulsory medical practitioner supervision of events; compulsory requirements for medical equipment at events; and robust medical reporting requirements.
We know from the New South Wales coronial findings into the death of a boxer in 2015 that standardised safety measures are essential in reducing the risk of a fatality or serious injury. The coroner found that the boxer died as a result of a bleed to the brain after receiving multiple blows to the head during the bout. His concussion was not recognised by registered officials early enough and incorrect rules were applied, including the standing eight count, which ultimately meant that he sustained three extra seconds of hits to the head from his opponent when the round should have ended.
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