Sixth outlaw motorcycle gang banned from wearing insignia in Tasmania

The Nomads join the Bandidos, Outlaws, Devils Henchmen, Black Uhlans and the Rebels in the ban which came into force in November 2019.

Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Jo Stolp said from Wednesday the Nomads were identified as a prescribed organisation under the legislation.

"These are criminal gangs and their colours are designed to show affiliation with this criminality and intimidate others," Acting Assistant Commissioner Stolp said.

"The laws don't affect any other motorcycle clubs."

Acting Assistant Commissioner Stolp said the Nomads had recently sought to establish a presence in Tasmania.

"Through our work as part of the National Anti Gang Squad we know they have national links to serious and organised crime," she said.

"This step will disrupt their moves to establish in our state.

"The banning of colours is one of a number of tools that we have available to tackle criminal groups including outlaw motorcycle gangs.

"Since the legislation was introduced there have been no national runs by any outlaw motorcycle gangs in Tasmania."

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Mark Shelton said the ban sent a clear message crime gangs were not welcome in Tasmania.

"As the community and economy follow the pathway to recovery from COVID-19 restrictions, the last thing we need is organised crime ripping money out of the pockets of vulnerable people," Mr Shelton said.

"The Tasmanian government therefore makes no apologies for being tough on criminals and will continue delivering our strong plan to keep Tasmania safer from organised crime."

Acting Assistant Commissioner Stolp said Tasmania Police intelligence linked Tasmanian outlaw motorcycle gangs to the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs, firearms offences and the use and threats of violence to protect their way of life.
 

"Just earlier this month, two members of the Outlaws outlaw motorcycle gang were charged with firearms and drug trafficking offences," she said.

"We continue to target outlaw motorcycle gang members in terms of criminal activity, anti-social or intimidating behaviour, or breaches of our laws."