One bikie charged under new law

THE new consorting laws aimed to target bikies in Queensland have only secured one conviction as an outlaw motorcycle gang retains a presence on the Gold Coast.

Opposition police spokesman Tim Mander during Estimates hearings late yesterday asked if the Comancheros had recently re-established a stronghold on the Glitter Strip.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart sought advice from senior specialist operations officers.

Mr Mander was later told “yes, we are aware of the presence of Comanchero type associated people on the Gold Coast”. Police maintained a “presence” was different to gangs reforming clubhouses.

Opposition shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker sought data on the latest convictions after the Palaszczuk Government in March introduced new serious crime laws.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said one conviction, as of July, had occurred for habitual consorting. “The fact we have so many charges with the police or the courts right now, and confiscations already obtained, I do believe it is already evidence that we have stronger laws,” she said.