AGREEMENT ON OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE GANGS
Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 11:56 am
An extract from Minister for Justice and Customs, 28 June 2007
The States and Territories have made an in-principle agreement today to work with the Australian Government to bring an end to outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“I have had a frank and open discussion with my counterparts from the State and Territories during today’s Police Minister’s meeting in New Zealand,” Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator David Johnston said.
“The States and Territories agreed to take part in a working group with representatives from the Australian Government and all other jurisdictions including, I’m happy to say, New Zealand.
“We are not looking at attacking middle aged groups of men who drive motorbikes for enjoyment; we are looking at bringing an end to the organised crime perpetuated by outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“Currently the Australian Government, the States and the Territories have different systems for dealing with gangs and clearly this is not having enough impact on reducing organised crime.”
“Outlaw motorcycle gangs are a significant organised crime issue in Australia, an issue the Australian Government takes very seriously. This is why I am happy with the decision to create this important working group.”
The Australian Government has already begun working towards building an effective way of dealing with organised crime gangs.
“In May, I wrote to the Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Australian Crime Commission to look at ways to learn from other countries, especially in response to outlaw motorcycle gangs,” Senator Johnston said.
“Law enforcement agencies in Europe and North America are able to draw upon legislation such as criminal organisation offences, and we should draw on any lessons they have for effective responses.
“To have effective laws in place the Australian Government needs to work closely with State and Territory authorities, I am glad they have come to the party on this issue.”
Media Contact: Chris Wagner 0409 081 916
The States and Territories have made an in-principle agreement today to work with the Australian Government to bring an end to outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“I have had a frank and open discussion with my counterparts from the State and Territories during today’s Police Minister’s meeting in New Zealand,” Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator David Johnston said.
“The States and Territories agreed to take part in a working group with representatives from the Australian Government and all other jurisdictions including, I’m happy to say, New Zealand.
“We are not looking at attacking middle aged groups of men who drive motorbikes for enjoyment; we are looking at bringing an end to the organised crime perpetuated by outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“Currently the Australian Government, the States and the Territories have different systems for dealing with gangs and clearly this is not having enough impact on reducing organised crime.”
“Outlaw motorcycle gangs are a significant organised crime issue in Australia, an issue the Australian Government takes very seriously. This is why I am happy with the decision to create this important working group.”
The Australian Government has already begun working towards building an effective way of dealing with organised crime gangs.
“In May, I wrote to the Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Australian Crime Commission to look at ways to learn from other countries, especially in response to outlaw motorcycle gangs,” Senator Johnston said.
“Law enforcement agencies in Europe and North America are able to draw upon legislation such as criminal organisation offences, and we should draw on any lessons they have for effective responses.
“To have effective laws in place the Australian Government needs to work closely with State and Territory authorities, I am glad they have come to the party on this issue.”
Media Contact: Chris Wagner 0409 081 916