The ACT government could move to regulate boxing, kick-boxing and cage fighting under a review of combat sports in the territory.
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Sports Minister Shane Rattenbury will release a discussion paper on Saturday to seek community and industry feedback on potential new laws for the sports, which he said have become increasingly popular in Canberra.
"In recent years, most other Australian jurisdictions have moved to regulate combat sports and the ACT government believes it is time to review current legislation and regulation of combat sports in the territory in the interest of ensuring the safety of participants and the public."
Mr Rattenbury said the government was reviewing the Boxing Control Act 1993, which regulated boxing and kickboxing events in the ACT but did not cover activities such as Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai.
He wanted to hear more about potential neurological injuries and concussion risks, reporting of contestant injuries, and fit-and-proper person checks for industry participants.
"I would like to hear from those interested in the sport in relation to what they think are appropriate and necessary safety protections for competitors.
"Community and combat sports industry members are invited to comment on the discussion paper and to provide their views on what is an appropriate regulatory model for ACT combat sports."
Mixed martial arts, also known as cage fighting, has been popularised in Australia by the United States-based Ultimate Fighting Championships.
The polarising sport, which involves aspects of jiu jitsu, taekwondo, judo, wrestling and boxing, has drawn criticism for being too violent.
Regulations are already in place in some jurisdictions, including NSW and Victoria.
The consultation period ends on February 9 next year and the discussion paper can be viewed at sport.act.gov.au.
