The first step towards a legislative move to crack down on outlaw motorcycle gangs in Tasmania is under way.

Public consultation is now open for the Organised Criminal Gang Legislation paper, which sets out the Government’s proposals for possible reforms to the Police Offences Act 1935.

The proposals will give police powers to act when outlaw motorcycle gang members attempt to intimidate others by wearing club colours in public, and powers to act when groups of criminals from these gangs associate with each other.

“Outlaw motorcycle gangs are significant players in controlling the importation and distribution of drugs into Tasmania. Their business model involves serious violence and drug trafficking and they are constantly trying to expand their numbers in Tasmania to increase their drug trafficking network,” Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame said.

“Tasmania does not want to be a safe haven for outlaw motorcycle gangs. These groups are not welcome here.  Other States have implemented strong laws to protect the community from them and there is a danger that if Tasmania does not do the same, these gangs will increase their criminal activities here,” Assistant Commissioner Frame said.

“The displacement of outlaw motorcycle gangs into Tasmania from other states is of grave concern,” Assistant Commissioner Frame said.

“The Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang  – one of five gangs recognised by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission as posing the highest threat to Australians, in relation to size, geographical reach and violence – has recently extended into Hobart.

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame said that outlaw motorcycle gang members were on notice in our jurisdiction.

“The criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs distinguish them from other recreational motorcycle groups who gather purely to socialise and ride motorcycles. Unlike these other bodies, outlaw motorcycle gangs self-identify as ‘one-percenters’, their view being that if 99% of people who ride motorcycles are law abiding, they are the 1% who are not. Outlaw motorcycle gang jackets usually carry a patch saying 1% to reflect this fact,” he said.

“We will not tolerate criminal activity, anti-social or intimidating behaviour, or breaches of our laws and we will continue to work with Government to further disrupt their activities by creating a hostile environment for outlaw motorcycle gangs in Tasmania.”

Submissions should be made in writing by close of business on 11 May 2018.

Submissions may be emailed to:

strategy.support@dpfem.tas.gov.au

or posted to:

The Inspector

Legislation & Development Review Services

GPO Box 308, Hobart, 7001

Submissions will be published at www.police.tas.gov.au by 18 May 2018.

Following this, the legislation is expected to be drafted and tabled in State Parliament in June.

>>> For further information visit:

https://www.police.tas.gov.au/news/public-consultation-open-new-outlaw-motorcycle-gang-legislation/