21 June,2011 07:29 AM IST | | Agencies
The government has ordered an investigation into a kickboxing bout between two young girls on the Gold Coast for $100 (Rs 4,500) in prize money.
Premier Anna Bligh said many people who saw images of seven and eight-year-olds kickboxing for money would be concerned.
"The minister has called for a review for this sort of sport to see if we should be regulating it, and I'd be interested in the views of other mums and dads," she said yesterday.
The fight, between eight-year-old Jasmine Parr and seven-year-old Georgina Barton, was held at Broadwater PCYC on Saturday night for $100 (Rs 4,500) prize money.
Minister for Child Safety and Sport Phil Reeves said the government may have to regulate combat sports between children.
Reeves, who has three young children, said he was shocked at images of two young girls slugging it out for cash.
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"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," Reeves said in a statement.
"If reports about a $100 cash prize for the winning child are correct, then I find the whole situation even more disgraceful."
Reeves said he had instructed the director-general of the Department of Communities to investigate the fight.
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"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, kickboxing champion John Wayne Parr, is being sought for comment.
