Bikies: NSW plagued by turf wars as Queensland cracks down

NSW has become a gangsters’ paradise where lax laws allow bikies to roam the streets in an unimpeded campaign of crime and carnage.

NSW has become a gangsters’ paradise where lax laws allow bikies to roam the streets in an unimpeded campaign of crime and carnage.

That’s the controversial view of Queensland police, who boast that tough legislation north of the border has all but eradicated bikie-related violence since 2013, while NSW continues to be plagued by turf wars.

In a secret submission to a commission of inquiry set up to review strict anti-bikie laws enacted at the end of 2013, police from the Sunshine State cite more than 30 instances of bikie-related mayhem on NSW streets in a two-year period they claim has been relatively without blemish north of the Tweed.

Earlier this month the NSW Police Gangs Squad arrested 17 ­alleged members of the Rebels on the Central Coast, several of whom have since been charged under drug and consorting laws.

Former NSW police assistant commissioner Clive Small believes the disparity in the instances of violence between the two states necessitates a review of NSW laws.

In its submission to the Task Force on Organised Crime Legislation, Queensland Police claimed their streets were virtually bikie-free since the introduction of strict anti-consorting laws.

“The QPS is not aware of any acts of violence of this nature that have occurred in Queensland since the introduction of the 2013 legislation,” the submission reads.

“However, other jurisdictions that do not have the benefit of legislation similar to Queensland continue to experience this type of violent activity.”

Queensland’s tough anti-bikie legislation, known as consorting laws, includes a presumption against bail for bikies and makes it an offence for groups of three or more gang members to ride ­together. It also allows police to stop and search people wearing bikie gang colours.

But both the state government and NSW Police have hit back at Queensland’s claims, citing a huge recent decline in bikie numbers as proof that Macquarie Street policies are working.

“The NSW Police Force is making major inroads into outlaw motorcycle gangs by creating a hostile environment for OMCGs to ­operate and increasing the risks of being a member,” a spokeswoman for Police Minister Troy Grant said.

“These inroads are a result of an operational focus led by the Gangs Squad and Strike Force Raptor.”

Earlier this month the NSW Police Gangs Squad arrested 17 ­alleged members of the Rebels on the Central Coast, several of whom have since been charged under drug and consorting laws.