Labor deal with independent MP Peter Wellington could ease bikie laws

Labor has promised to consider a possible Bill of Rights as part of a 22-point agreement which helped win Mr Wellington’s support to form a minority government.

 

A Labor government would seek advice from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General and “allow public discussion’’ on the matter, according a document signed by leader Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Mr Wellington has long campaigned against the Newman Government’s anti-bikie laws, demanding a Bill of Rights to ensure everyone is equal before the law and has freedom of expression, association and freedom of peaceful assembly.

 

 

The Nicklin MP denied that meant he was soft on criminal motorcycle gangs.

If, as expected, Labor takes power with the support of Mr Wellington, it will also have to review the bikie laws, hold an inquiry into political donations and a royal commission into organised crime under the deal agreed to last week.

It has also promised to change donation laws and scrutinise the approval processes for the New Acland Mine.

Mr Wellington will also have access to an extra staff member and a policy adviser at Parliament, be offered key briefings from public servants and has won some infrastructure fixes for his electorate.

This includes a disability upgrade at Nambour train station and a review of parking problems at the Nambour Hospital.