'Criminal gangbuster' leads Qld bikie push
5 October 2013 AAP
THE Queensland government has appointed a "criminal gangbuster" to lead a statewide taskforce which will crackdown on criminal motorcycle gang activity.
Deputy Commissioner Brett Pointing has been appointed as the boss of a statewide taskforce designed to drive rogue bikies out of Queensland.
Minister for Police and Community Safety Jack Dempsey says Mr Pointing - who led the recovery effort in the wake of this year's Queensland floods - is the man for the top job.
"Mr Pointing has a strong track record of no-nonsense, commonsense policing and shares the government's determination to rid the streets of criminal gangs and thugs," Mr Dempsey said when announcing Mr Pointing's appointment on Saturday.
"He will lead a hand-picked team of experienced officers to crack down on criminal motorcycle gangs throughout the entire state.
"I have assured Mr Pointing that he will have whatever resources he needs to get the job done."
An additional 50 police officers will be put on the beat on the Gold Coast to crackdown on criminal bikies at the popular tourist spot.
Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan has also announced a Queensland strike force to work alongside the state's police.
Officers from the Australian Federal Police will work in Queensland while two Australian Crime Commission officers will be embedded with the Queensland police's Taskforce Maxima.
The move will allow Queensland police to access the services of Commonwealth law enforcement agencies as well as other government agencies such as the Australian Tax Office.
The Queensland government is also drafting "the world's toughest" anti-bikie laws and promising generous cash rewards to members of the public for information about suspicious bikie activity.
It will give Crime Stoppers an additional $5 million to distribute as reward money for information received about criminal gangs.
Mr Dempsey said arrangements had been made to find a suitable replacement for Mr Pointing in the coming days.