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Lawyers part of bikie machine: Newman

 
QUEENSLAND'S premier has accused defence lawyers for accused bikies of being part of the "criminal gang machine".

Under new state laws, when three or more bikies gather in public they can be prosecuted and jailed for a mandatory six months and up to three years.

Hannay Lawyers told their accused bikie clients to stay away from court proceedings on Tuesday because other alleged bikies would also be there.

But Premier Campbell Newman says it was a disingenuous move because he's sure the lawyers had ways of getting around that part of the new laws.

He says it shows that those representing accused bikies were part of the criminal gang machine.

"It's just nonsense. These people are hired guns. They make money from people who sell drugs to our teenagers and young people," the premier told reporters.

"Yes, everybody's got a right to be defended under the law but you've got to see it for what it is: they are part of the machine, part of the criminal gang machine and they will see, say and do anything to defend their clients, try and get them off and indeed progress their case."

Mr Newman also hit out at 1980s anti-corruption commission head Tony Fitzgerald and his then senior counsel Gary Crooke for comparing the Queensland government's anti-bikie laws to dirty Harry in an online opinion piece for the ABC.

"Mr Fitzgerald is a well respected individual, but I obviously don't agree with what he is saying and I don't think he is particularly being clear and analytical about what's really going on," the premier said.

"What's he on about? I think other people are getting a bit tired of the whole thing."

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