We will ban the bikies: Lib pledge

09oct05
BIKIE gangs will be banned if the Liberal Party wins government.

Opposition police spokesman Robert Brokenshire has given the assurance amid growing concerns about bikie gang activities.

This follows revelations contained in a confidential 2001 SA Police report, obtained by the Sunday Mail, about the influence and illegal activities of bikie gangs in Australia.

The report outlines various tactics used by gangs including collusion with government officials and sophisticated courtroom manoeuvres.

Mr Brokenshire said the Liberal Party was determined to turn the tide on organised crime.









"We will introduce the tough legislation announced in our last policy," he said.

"But in light of the new information brought to our attention by the Sunday Mail, we plan to introduce the toughest possible comprehensive package to stamp out crimes committed by bikie gangs.

"We are also looking at other initiatives to assist the police.

"It is clear to us the police have had to fight these gangs with one arm tied behind their back."

Mr Brokenshire said a Liberal Government would introduce legislation to:

PROHIBIT outlaw motorcycle gangs.

EMPOWER police to obtain orders banning processions and assemblies of gang members.

MAKE it an offence for gang members to "habitually consort" or meet regularly.

FACILITATE the seizure of assets acquired by the criminal activity of gangs.

MAKE it an offence for gang members to recruit others to the gang.

EMPOWER the state government to override any planning or other approval of a local council to allow the erection of fortified premises for use by an outlaw motorcycle gang.

Mr Brokenshire criticised the Rann Government because current legislation had not provided for the demolition of any existing bikie fortresses.

Police Minister Kevin Foley foreshadowed an announcement on tougher laws before the March election.

"The laws that are in place now are very strong," he said.

"We have to wait and see what we put out in the lead-up to the election."

Mr Foley said specific recommendations outlined in the leaked report were under consideration by the Government. He said in the 12 months to July 27, the anti-bikie taskforce Avatar had made 51 arrests.

The taskforce had also seized 55 firearms, 398 cannabis plants, 33kg of cannabis, 1.2kg of amphetamines, 5770 tabs of Ecstasy and seized vehicles with a total value of $150,000.

Mr Foley said his government had brought in the toughest anti-fortress legislation in the nation.

If police had proposals to strengthen laws further, they would be favourably considered.

"The Police Commissioner constantly puts to government his thoughts and advice as to what laws need to be improved or changed," he said.

"It's a continual work in progress."

The Government had also introduced laws to crack down on crowd controller violence and organised crime associated with the security and hospitality industries.

He said there also had been increased penalties for the possession of firearms.