[1] In 1985, Neville Wran, the New South Wales Premier, tried to ban a women's kickboxing event from taking place in the state.

[2][3] The Boxing and Wrestling and Control Act 1986 was amended in order to prevent women from competing in New South Wales.

"[3] Holly Ferneley challenged the constitutionality of the ban, citing section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act in Australia's federal courts.

[5] In 1990, the Women World Muay Thai tournament was first held; Lucy Tui represented Australia at the inaugural event.

According to Adelaide Now, Office for Recreation and Sport executive director Paul Anderson "said the reason women were outstripping men was likely because of the introduction of more "fun" options at gyms, such as spin classes and kickboxing.

[8] In 2007, the Kokoda Track cup was held in order to develop a stronger relationship between kickboxers in Papua-New Guinea and Australia.

Part of the reason for this is Muslim women are allowed to compete while fully clothed which does not conflict with the religious beliefs of the sport's participants.