Nomads bikies join with the Australian Human Rights Commission to fight for the right to consort

National president of the Nomads Simon Tajjour broke the gang’s strict rule of not discussing “club business” to ­attack the laws as his legal team, led by top Sydney solicitor Simon Joyner, prepared to take their challenge to the High Court next Tuesday.

Attorneys-General from four other states have put in submissions supporting the NSW laws, introduced in 2012 after a spate of drive-by shootings linked to a bike war.

 

Leading barrister Bret Walker, SC, put forward a written submission on behalf of the Human Rights Commission seeking leave to appear with the bikies, claiming the legislation could contravene the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

 

Tajjour, cousin of Kings Cross promoter John Ibrahim and his former bikie boss brother Sam, was one of the first people arrested under the laws, along with Nomad ­associate Justin Hawthorne.

“I was born and raised in Australia and was taught free speech was a right we all have,’’ the 34-year-old told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.

Tajjour was convicted of the manslaughter of Robin Nassour in 2006, along with Michael Ibrahim, and served four years. He said he should not be arrested for talking to someone who also had a record.

“A lot of people may not like us but this fight is not about me or bike gangs. It’s about everyone’s rights,” Tajjour said.

Also challenging the laws is Charlie Foster, 21 who was jailed after being charged with consorting with known petty criminals, not bikies, in the small town of Inverell.

He pleaded guilty to consorting with three known criminals, his friends and housemates and was jailed for nine months. He later withdrew his guilty plea and the case was overturned.

“They say it is to get organised criminals and gangs but what has Charlie Foster got to do with that? “

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson said it was wrong for the Human Rights Commission to be aligned with bikies: “Tony Abbott needs to ­explain why the person he ­appointed Human Rights Commissioner is standing up for ­bikies while removing protections from victims of racism and bigotry.

“We should be protecting the vulnerable in the community, not criminal gangs.”

Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson said last night: “It’s before the courts and for that reason the commission can’t comment.”

Federal Attorney-General George Brandis, whose department oversees the administration of the Human Rights Commission, was last night unavailable for comment.

NSW Attorney-General Brad Hazzard said the laws were ­designed to stop bikies planning crime: “Convicted criminals should not be free to consort with other criminals and plan their next offence.’