Bikie VLAD laws: Queensland Government’s new laws for organised crime

THE Crime and Corruption Commission has released its secret submission to the bikie taskforce - and it comes with a warning.

• Bikies VLAD laws: Review offers 60 recommendations
• VLAD laws: Review’s secret submission by CCC
• Bikie laws Queensland: Anti-association laws to be axed
• VLAD laws: Queensland police worried about changes
• VLAD laws: Bikie laws - don’t fix what’s not broke
• Bikie VLAD laws: South Australia says laws have made it safer

THE Crime and Corruption Commission has released its secret submission to the bikie taskforce, warning that gangs have been “actively recruiting” and had been anticipating a softening of the stance against them following the change in government in 2015.

The submission, uncovered by The Courier- Mail under Right to Information, told the taskforce: “It is clear from the recent developments that several clubs (including three of the major clubs) have been actively recruiting new members on the Gold Coast.

“The timing of the recruitment activities suggests that, following the change of government in January 2015, it is perceived by clubs that there is a softening of the stance against OMCG activity.

“While there has been no evidence obtained as to the particular factors which have contributed to this resurgence, it may be inferred that OMCGs perceive that the laws will be repealed or reduced, and are positioning themselves to take control of ‘turf once any relaxation occurs.”

Only a portion of the submission was released under RTI with CCC chair Alan MacSporran releasing the full submission this afternoon.

The Palaszczuk Government will introduce a new suite of laws to tackle organised crime following the handover of the Wilson report.

Not all recommendations have been accepted but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government’s new laws would be tough and workable.

“The current laws will stay in place until the new regime is enforced,” she said.

“Our planned regime will give police and our courts workable, enforceable laws to convict those involved in all forms of serious crime.”

She said the government will introduce new or sorting laws and new organised crime control orders including additional jail sentences with mandatory provisions for serious organised crime.

The ban on the wearing of colours will be extended.

The new laws will be introduced by August and could be passed by the end of the year.

Ms Palaszczuk said she hoped Queensland would set the standard and vowed that her Government would “get these laws right”.

“I believe that these will be the benchmark for laws that other states will follow,” she said.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said: “I want to make it very clear here today for those outlaw motorcycle gangs and criminals out there, who think that the doors are going to be re-opened - not only are they closed, but we’re wedging them shut.”