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Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie says police will decide if a tradesman is no longer gang member and can keep licence

Three more alleged bikies have been arrested in Townsville and there are warning signs that gang members may be about to strike back.

ATTORNEY-General Jarrod Bleijie says it will ultimately be up to police to determine if a tradesman is no longer a criminal gang member and can keep their work license.

"What we are targeting is criminal gang members or their associates," Mr Bleijie said.

"The police know who these people are. All one has to do is show on evidence that they are not associated or affiliated with a criminal gang.

"It (the decision to grant them a licence) will be based in evidence from the CMC and the police force.

Unions funding bikies' High Court challenge against anti-gang laws

"If they can't prove that they are not associated or not affiliated with criminal gang activity then their licence will be suspended.

"We will be guided by the police ... but I think you'll find that they'll do it appropriately and that there'll be sufficient time where people will be able to show that they should have their licence continue."

Mr Bleijie said only tradies with links to criminal gangs would need to prove they had walked away.

 

He said other tradies would not be impacted.

His comments come as unions met today to discuss a High Court challenge to the laws - passed last year - which will prevent bikie gang members from working in industries including the construction industry.

Queensland Council of Unions president John Battams said a number of unions had decided to explore further options to fight the laws.

"Unions in Queensland are now very concerned that new licensing legislation now gives the government the ability to deregister workers across many industries, including electricians, plumbers and security guards," Mr Battams said.

He said the campaign was being led by unions that have members directly affected by the legislation.

"We have decided to explore legal advice in how a High Court challenge might proceed, because potentially this legislation could affect every occupation that requires registration in Queensland," Mr Battams said.

"If applied more widely, this could include teachers, radiographers, doctors, nurses - everyone who requires state registration or licensing to work," he said.

"Workers in these professions could all be a risk through these laws targeting freedom of association."

He said the QCU has also written to the Government seeking a meeting to discuss the unforeseen impacts of these laws on workers' rights and a possible review of the legislation.

 

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