Bikies and individuals connected to the CFMEU Big Build scandal to be hit with tough new laws
Victoria’s underworld just got a target on its back. The Allan government is unleashing an unprecedented blitz on bikie bosses in union crook crackdown.
Victoria Police and the Attorney-General are gearing up to hit bikies, underworld figures and individuals connected to the CFMEU Big Build scandal with tough new laws, including orders banning criminals from associating.
Police have submitted “a number” of applications to Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny for approval regarding the tough new anti-gang laws, which came into effect in August.
It is understood the force is preparing to target criminals with revamped anti-association orders, aimed at stopping people with criminal convictions from meeting, socialising and communicating by phone or online.
Ms Kilkenny is also considering a brief about which bikie and underworld organisations will be hit with new insignia offences, which make it illegal for certain groups to wear gang symbols, logos and gang names.
A Victoria Police spokesperson told the Herald Sun it was preparing to take action under the new powers.
“A number of applications in relation to the new powers are in train,” they said.
But, in a statement, the force added “at this time, Victoria Police has no recorded offences under the unlawful associations legislation”.
“Victoria Police has also submitted a number of initial applications to the Attorney-General for consideration and is awaiting the government’s decision on which organisations will be subject to the new insignia offence.
“As all those matters are still progressing, it would not be appropriate to discuss them further at this time.
“Victoria Police will continue to liaise with government to ensure maximum use and effectiveness of all relevant legislative powers.”
The latest move comes after Premier Jacinta Allan announced in July 2024 the state would strengthen anti-bikie laws.
It came after allegations the CFMEU had close links with bikies and underworld figures and were infiltrating government work sites.
Victorian bikie laws had previously been branded useless by police members, with many offences unable to be applied.
The state rushed the changes through under the Criminal Organisation Control Amendment Bill 2015, but none have been used since they officially came into force to effect in August this year.
It’s understood Victoria Police called for changes, including updates to the anti-consorting clauses after no orders had been issued in a decade.
In other states such as Queensland and NSW, police have slapped hundreds of criminals with anti-association orders.
In NSW, by 2019, 8556 orders and warnings were issued to 2412 people in four years.
It is believed Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights has been a key issue, with the laws in Victoria facing a higher threshold than other jurisdictions.
A Victorian government spokesperson said: “We have some of the toughest laws in Australia that make it clear to organised crime groups that thuggish behaviour has no place in Victoria.”
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