Labor blasted over bikie bid
Crackdown on outlaw gangs defended
THE State Government and Police Association have hit back at Labor’s plans to vote down proposed bikie laws, saying the party’s views are “ill informed”.
Attorney-General Elise Archer yesterday said Labor was yet to be briefed on the Prohibited Insignia Bill, with a meeting to be held on Monday before the Bill is debated.
“The fact Labor has ruled out supporting the legislation before having been briefed on the Bill by the Police Commissioner is an absolute disgrace,” she said.
“It demonstrates they don’t care about reform and care even less about keeping Tasmanians safe.”
The first part of the legislation would ban people from wearing, carrying or displaying insignia that “promotes criminal associations and causes fear in the community”.
The State Government has long said the Black Uhlans, Outlaws, Rebels, Devil’s Henchmen and Bandidos will be the first clubs targeted under the laws.
In yesterday’s Mercury, opposition police spokesman Shane Broad said the Bill “would not target organised crime and was open to abuse by a rogue police minister”.
“Instead of pretending that banning the wearing of bikie colours will solve all Tasmania’s drug and crime issues, the Liberal Government should be following the lead of other states by drafting comprehensive organised crime legislation,” he said.
Police Association acting president Gavin Cashion said Dr Broad’s comments were “ill informed”, with many parts of the legislation modelled on other jurisdictions.
“To refer to the legislation as ‘appalling’ is an insult to our members who have assisted in its development,” he said.
“It is based on comprehensive, intelligence-driven research and data. Outlaw motorcycle gangs, who are the target of these laws, violate the human rights of law abiding citizens time and time again.”
Ms Archer said there would be significant parliamentary oversight when it came to selecting which organisations would be subject to the ban.
“Any group that is labelled to come under this Bill, has to be approved by both houses of Parliament,” she said.
“This Bill ensures Tasmania doesn’t become a safe haven for serious and organised crime.”
The State Government has said it will also introduce anticonsorting laws to Parliament by the end of the year, prohibiting any adult who has been convicted of a serious offence from associating with another nominated adult who has also been convicted of a serious offence.