Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper are more concerned with cage fighting as families across the state grapple with rising cost of living costs, rental stress, and a housing crisis.
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said families are hurting under the weight of rising rent, fuel prices, and skyrocketing groceries, and this Premier think's cage fighting is the answer.
"This is a Premier who can't read the room and is tone deaf, hosting an event where women's safety advocates have warned glorifies violence — while households are scrambling just to keep the lights on," Mr Speakman said.
This is not the first time the government has chosen to back the UFC despite public outcry. During the last UFC event in NSW, fighter Sean Strickland — who headlined the event — openly bragged about punching a fan at Bondi. Despite this behaviour, the Minns Labor Government continues to host these events.
The government has repeatedly talked about addressing violence, yet they are choosing to invest taxpayer money into promoting cage fighting.
Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Leslie Williams said women's groups have warned these events sends dangerous messages about masculinity and violence.
"What kind of message does it send to struggling families when the government's priority is cage fighting rather than providing cost of living relief in the lead up to Christmas," Ms Williams said.
During a cost-of-living and housing crisis, people need real support, not distractions. The Minns Labor Government should be focusing on easing the burden on families, not investing in events that do nothing to address the challenges they are facing.
