Queensland may consider regulating combat sports involving children after a furore over a martial arts kick boxing bout between two primary school girls on the Gold Coast.
The clash between eight-year-old Jasmine Parr and seven-year-old Georgina Barton was held at Broadwater PCYC on Saturday night for $100 prize money.
The Queensland Minister for Child Safety and Sport Phil Reeves issued statement today saying the government may have to regulate combative sports between underage participants.
Mr Reeves, who has three young children, said he was shocked at images of two young girls slugging it out for cash.
"I have three daughters aged under 10 and like many mums and dads across Queensland, I was absolutely appalled at the image of children of this age being put in a boxing ring," Mr Reeves said in a statement.
"If reports about a $100 cash prize for the winning child is correct, then I find the whole situation even more disgraceful.
"I have instructed the Director-General of the Department of Communities to immediately investigate the circumstances of this event.
"I also want the Director-General to provide recommendations on actions the government should consider to ensure the best interests of children are first and foremost when these types of events are being conducted."
Jasmine Parr's father is kick-boxing world champion John Wayne Parr, who is being sought for comment.
- AAP
Kick boxing schoolgirls worry Queensland govt
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