Page 2996 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 14 September 1993
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Kick Boxing
MR STEVENSON: My question is to Mr Berry. The Boxing Control Act became law only about four months ago. I believe that there was a serious flaw in it. Because of this and the Minister's failure to pass regulations necessary for the operation of the law, we had a situation in July where, under duress from the Supreme Court, the Minister had to pass a special regulation to authorise a kick boxing tournament. What did it cost the public purse to pay for the costs, and have the organisers of the tournament been reimbursed for any costs that they were obliged to pay for our inaction?
MR BERRY: In relation to the details about which you inquire, I do not have them at my fingertips. I can say in relation to that matter that there was much ado about a fundraising effort for a young person in town who requires a transplant. It was of interest to note later on that the money had not been provided. The organisers who used that young person as a basis for the kick boxing event and to draw some support for it did not bother coughing up the money afterwards. It was very interesting to see that the event was not that popular. The matter did end up before the courts and subsequently more work will be required to deal with the issue. But it comes back to that particular bout. It was a bout that was conducted with my approval, most reluctantly.
Mr Cornwell: Grudgingly, yes.
MR BERRY: Well, most reluctantly. The bout went ahead without proper regulations.
Mr Humphries: That was your fault.
MR BERRY: The organiser intended to defy them anyway. That person has been organising unregulated events in the ACT for some time. I do not know about you lot, but I saw that event with some concern because, like the AMA, I am a bit concerned about boxing and kick boxing and - - -
Mr Humphries: That was not what the Assembly decided, however, was it?
MR BERRY: The Assembly has to wear what it decides, I suppose. The decision has been made in relation to kick boxing and I will provide a proper regulatory base to ensure that that occurs. Further work is required in relation to the legislation because it was a back-of-the-envelope amendment that was made with haste and did not consider all of the consequences. Subsequently we have had to repair the situation. I will find the details that you seek.
Smoke Detectors
MRS GRASSBY: My question is directed to the Minister for Urban Services. The ACT Fire Brigade has recently advertised about a program of free installation of smoke detectors in Canberra houses. Can the Minister advise the Assembly on this program and what effect it is having?
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .