Are Queensland's new laws to deal with bikie gangs too extreme?
What they said...
'This legislation will target only criminal motorcycle gang members. Other law abiding motorbike riders have nothing to worry about'
Jarrod Bleijie, Queensland Attorney General and Minister for Justice
'The laws passed are aimed at cracking down on 'outlaw bikie gangs' but potentially affect a wider group of people, including those that aren't affiliated with bikie groups'
Michael Hayworth, a spokesperson for Amnesty International Australia
The issue at a glance
On October 17, 2013, the Queensland Parliament passed three new laws designed to limit the activities of 'outlaw' bikie gangs in Queensland and encourage them to move elsewhere.
The package of new laws includes the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Act 2013, the Tattoo Parlours Act 2013 and the Criminal Law (Criminal Organisations Disruption) Amendment Act 2013.
The laws have attracted widespread criticism from civil liberties groups and others.
The Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Act requires people defined as "vicious lawless associates" serve 15 years in prison in addition to their standard sentence. If they are an officer bearer of the relevant association, they will serve 25 years in custody in addition to their standard sentence.
The mandatory additional sentence must be imposed even if the person is not sentenced to imprisonment for the original offence. Unless the person becomes an informer, he or she is not eligible for parole during the additional sentence and will have to serve the entire 15 or 25 years.
The Tattoo Parlours Act requires body art tattoo parlours and tattooists to be licensed. The legislation bans members of criminal organisations from owning, operating or working in body art tattoo parlours.
The Commissioner of Police is empowered to investigate licence applicants, licensees and their associates to ensure only fit and proper persons are able to hold licences.
Unlicensed trading incurs penalties of up to eighteen months imprisonment. The Act also prohibits members of criminal motor cycle gangs from wearing colours inside licensed premises and within areas prescribed by regulation.
The Criminal Law (Criminal Organisations Disruption) Amendment Act 2013.
The maximum penalty for affray is increased to seven years for members of a CMG.
CMG members will face a mandatory one year imprisonment for serious assaults on Police. Their driver's licenses will be disqualified for a mandatory period of 3 months upon conviction.
The Act doubles the penalty for CMG members who evade police. Vehicles used in an offence can be confiscated and crushed. The Queensland government has declared 26 motorcycle clubs criminal organisations.
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