Page 1399 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 6 May 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
have conversations, as we are, along Northbourne and with the BAC flats and other existing public tenants to make sure that the housing that they have is the housing that best suits their needs.
Crime—motorcycle gangs
Mr WALL: My question is to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Minister, on 19 February 2015 the ACT Attorney-General, Mr Corbell, said, “The level of outlaw motorcycle gang activity here in the ACT is low.” A new bikie chapter has now established in Canberra, and since February this year there have been a series of violent incidents in Canberra suburbs allegedly involving Rebel and Comancheros bikie gangs. The media reports that bikie gang tensions are “reaching boiling point”. It is well documented that interstate bikie gangs have strong links with the manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs, including ice. Minister, now that the Comancheros have established themselves in the ACT, what have you done to deal with this increased outlaw motorcycle gang presence?
Ms BURCH: I thank Mr Wall for his question. Certainly the matter of outlaw motorcycle gangs is a concern to me and all members of this community. I am sure the Attorney-General, in his former role as the police minister, also had his eye to this. We are well aware that there has been an increasing presence of a second gang in this city, but I have been assured that the current activities are under close scrutiny by ACT Policing. The Chief Police Officer provides regular updates to me about that activity, and I have confidence in ACT Policing being well across what they need to do and keeping close surveillance on all persons of interest, so to speak.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Minister, are extra resources in place to deal with this increased outlaw motorcycle gang presence?
MS BURCH: Mr Wall may be aware that—
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! I would like to hear Minister Burch’s answer.
MS BURCH: there is a dedicated task force within ACT Policing that is looking at matters on outlaw motorcycle gang activity.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, have you had any advice that the increased outlaw motorcycle gang presence in the ACT has interstate organised crime links?
MS BURCH: I thank Mr Hanson for his question.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video