Bikers say gang laws are not needed

THE Tasmanian Motorcycle Council has expressed “total opposition” to the State Government’s push for tougher laws against outlaw motorcycle gangs.

The legislation proposes to ban the wearing of colours by motorcycle gang members and also contains powers to prevent criminals from the gangs associating with each other.

Council president Paul Bullock, on behalf of 150,000 members, said examination of similar existing laws throughout Australia showed that they were a failure.

“The advice from police on this serious matter should be questioned,” he said.

“Why would anyone want to implement proven failed policies?”

Mr Bullock said the council believed anti-consorting orders should be given by the courts rather than by a minister or a police officer.

“We believe the present laws in Tasmania are sufficient for any crime committed by anyone in the state,” he said.

Public consultation on the proposed laws closes on May 11.

Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame said the criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs distinguished them from other motorcycle groups.

“Their view is that if 99 per cent of people who ride motorcycles are law abiding, they are the 1 per cent who are not. Outlaw motorcycle gang jackets usually carry a patch saying 1 per cent to reflect this fact.”