Australian Lawyers Alliance Tasmanian spokesman Henry Pill has written to Commissioner Darren Hine in response to a recent Mercury article that revealed moves to stop outlaw bikies and other criminals fraternising are on the radar.
In his letter, Mr Pill has raised a raft of concerns about the application and success of similar laws in other jurisdictions.
“While reiterating my belief that consorting laws do not present a useful addition to the Tasmanian legal landscape, if such laws are to be pursued, it would appear appropriate that any legislative package be put through a rigorous, balanced and public assessment process before being tabled in Parliament,” Mr Pill said.
“It is the view of the Alliance that the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute is uniquely well placed to conduct such an assessment.
“As the State’s premier law reform body, the Institute has multiple decade’s worth of experience in the field, and an enormous amount of expertise at hand.
“As such, the Alliance requests that any review of legislation currently being conducted by the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management in to laws relating to consorting, association, motorcycle organisations or any related topic be referred to the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute immediately.”
Assistant Commissioner Richard Cowling said Tasmania Police would continue “progressing legislation” with a proposed introduction date next year.