• Liberal’s approach to battling organised crime too narrow
• Tasmania cannot be allowed to be a haven for criminal gangs
• Labor on board bikies crackdown but government must go further
The Hodgman Liberal Government’s plan to ban outlaw motorcycle gang “colours” will not address the much wider issue of organised crime in Tasmania.
Shadow Police Minister Shane Broad said while Labor is fully on board with the move to curb the criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs, the government’s Police Offences Amendment (Prohibited Insignia) Bill which is due to be debated in State Parliament does not target the wider scope of organised crime.
“The fight against organised crime in Tasmania needs to be much, much broader including – but not limited to – outlaw motorcycle gangs,” Dr Broad said.
“Tasmania cannot be allowed to become a haven for criminal gangs especially when dealing with the impact of drug trafficking.
“But the Bill the government is taking to the House of Assembly does not address the broader organised crime issue.
“While the distribution of illicit drugs should be a core focus of any clamp down, the Liberals with their proposed legislation are ignoring the fact that the underworld has a broad scope – from extortion rackets to white collar corporate scams to youth and street gangs to the production and distribution of pornography and child exploitation material.
“Instead of pretending that banning the wearing of colours will solve all of Tasmania’s drug and crime issues, the Liberal Government should be following the lead of other states by drafting comprehensive organised crime legislation.
“Banning insignia should be part of a comprehensive toolkit available to police – not the be-all-and-end-all – and increased powers should be activated after evidence is tested in a court.
“In contrast, the government’s proposed legislation places way too much power in the hands of the Police Minister.”
Dr Broad said the Police Minister could not be trusted with such sweeping powers.
“If enacted, Michael Ferguson will have the ability to ban almost any item of clothing or jewellery that displays any insignia or logo of almost any organisation, with no due process, evidence or court action required.”
Dr Broad said importantly, the proposed laws do not address the need for increased tools police need to undertake a comprehensive organised crime operation, including an increased investment in specialist skills within Tasmanian Police, forensic accountants and investigators to catch criminals and take away the profits of their crimes.
Shane Broad MP Shadow Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister