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The establishment of a new authority to regulate combat sports in Victoria has been recommended following a review.

The Review of Regulation of Professional Boxing and Combat Sports in Victoria, undertaken by Peter Harmsworth, recommended new governance arrangements and reforms to existing regulations.

The proposed Professional Combat Sports Authority would be responsible for the regulation of the industry with the support of the Department of Health and Human Services, which would provide advice on licence applications and oversee weigh-ins and promotions.

The review also recommended legislative changes to restore the primacy of Victoria Police recommendations on whether a licence applicant is a ‘fit and proper person’.

Commenting on the review’s findings, Victorian Sports Minister John Eren said the recommendations would be considered closely as current laws did not require the board to implement the Chief Commissioner's advice.

Minister Eren stated “like all Victorian Government boards, the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board is subject to regular scrutiny, and its performance closely monitored.

"However, the review highlights that while the Government has been well served by the Board, there are a number of weaknesses in its structure, skill make up and potential conflicts of interest."

Minister Eren said the Government would use the review to ensure decisions on licence holders were in line with community expectations, adding “boxing and combat sports must be governed at the highest standards.

"We will closely consider all recommendations and use them to reform the governance of boxing and combat sports, to uphold the industry's integrity in Victoria.”

The review was undertaken following concerns about the unregulated state of boxing and combat sports in Victoria and the apparent involvement of organised crime figures.

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