Finks case to be heard in closed court

THE Queensland Police Service application to ban the Gold Coast Finks will be heard in closed court.

Justice David Boddice closed the Supreme Court in Brisbane this morning immediately after entering to start the matter, which is the first of its kind in the state.

He said the application fell under a section of the law that meant it would be a closed hearing and asked everyone but legal representative, witnesses and other associated parties to leave.

He specifically named section 108 of the Criminal Organisation Act 2009 but gave no further explanation.

The move came without any submissions from lawyers for the QPS or the Finks, who were both in court.

Outside court plane clothes police stood guard over the court room.

The case, which has the backing of Police Minister Jack Dempsey, involves having the Finks declared a criminal organisation and outlawed.

Filed as an application by Assistant Commissioner Mick Condon, the court case also involves the Finks' associated company, Pompano Pty Ltd.

Just a few days ago the Assistant Commissioner filed his own affidavit, to add to 138 affidavits already filed from his officers, setting out alleged crimes and criminal links the Finks have formed across the country in recent years.

At its strongest, the police material alleges club members have been involved in murder, high-level drug trafficking and serious weapon offences. Only one document has been filed by the Finks, a form giving an address for service of documents.

The club's solicitor Bill Potts was not in court today as he is overseas, however his firm is representing the Finks.

Mr Potts has previously said he expects the case to end up in the High Court within months.