GLENN STERLE
LABOR SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA
GOOD NEWS FOR THE FUTURE OF UFC IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Labor Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle today welcomed the announcement from the Leader of the Opposition Mark McGowan that when elected at the state election next year, WA Labor will reverse the ban on fenced enclosures in Western Australia.
“This announcement by Mark McGowan today is fantastic news for the Mixed Martial Arts Community of Western Australia and gives me great hope that WA will soon be able to host an Ultimate Fighting Championship event. The ban on fenced enclosures was ridiculous and is one which has cost our state immensely. It has also put at risk the health and safety of mixed martial arts athletes,” Senator Sterle said.
“The ban imposed by the Barnett Government in March 2013 was made against advice given by the WA Combat Sports Commission, a government body that supports the use of a fenced enclosure and voiced concerns about the decision made by the government. This ban has made mixed martial arts far less safe in Western Australia,” Senator Sterle said.
Senator Sterle said that in making this decision, Premier Barnett has also prevented other blockbuster events such as the world famous UFC from visiting Perth and bringing with it significant economic benefits which our state has missed out on.
“Sydney has hosted a UFC event four times. Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Adelaide have each hosted an event once, all with great success. In November last year, the UFC hosted its first event in Melbourne at Etihad stadium. It was the most attended UFC in its history with 56,214 spectators, gate takings of $9.53 million and an impact of $102 million on the Victorian economy,” said Senator Sterle.
“At a time where the economic situation in Western Australia is languishing, with our AAA credit rating gone and an unemployment rate of 6%, you would think this out of touch Government, led by the tired Mr Barnett, would take seriously any opportunity which would deliver a significant injection into our economy and lead to the creation of jobs for Western Australian’s,” said Senator Sterle.
“I congratulate Mark McGowan on this announcement and commend his leadership and commitment to protecting the safety of mixed martial arts athletes as well as his vision toward how much Western Australia has to benefit from this decision,” said Senator Sterle.
Last year I started a petition to send a message to the Barnett Government stating that WA wants a UFC competition. It is has received widespread support and can be accessed here: www.ufcforperth.com You can also watch my speech on this matter in Parliament: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tPjiJ_lDE4
Media Contact: Ben Wholagan 0400 685 543
