Amy Remeikis reports in the Brisbane Times (4.4.16) on likely obstacles and criticisms facing the Palaszczuk government as it flags reshaping much of the former government’s anti-bikie laws.
‘The Palaszczuk Government plans to scrap anti-association provisions within Queensland’s anti-bikie legislation and replace it with anti-consorting legislation instead – but it can’t say whether bikie members will once again be able to congregate publicly.
‘It is also yet to say how it will tackle the issue of clubhouses, which are included in the Newman Government anti-association laws, as well as the powers for police to stop and search those they suspect of criminal gang activity.
‘The government wants to keep elements of the controversial Newman Government laws, while removing and replacing large sections.
‘While it has committed to scrapping anti-association aspects and putting the focus back on the individual, rather than identified criminal gangs, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath can’t say what that means for the ability of bikies to congregate – and for police to search them.’
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