Page 599 - Week 02 - Thursday, 16 February 2017
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The results speak for themselves. As part of that work, ACT Policing, through Taskforce Nemesis, has executed 131 search warrants. As of 30 October last year there have been 71 outlaw motorcycle gang members brought before the court. They were charged with a total of 217 offences. Sixty-seven per cent of those matters have received a finding of guilt.
In August the government also announced an additional $6.9 million in funding over four years to expand Taskforce Nemesis on an ongoing basis—
Mr Hanson: Point of order, Madam Speaker.
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes.
Mr Hanson: On relevance. The question was directly about what information has been received about gangs targeting Canberra, not about the activities of Taskforce Nemesis. What information have we got about gangs targeting Canberra?
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Hanson. I have heard reference to activity targeting gangs and that that is why they were presented before the court. Attorney-General.
MR RAMSAY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is important to note that we continue to work in relation to the information that is coming through and in relation to the policing. It is important to note that the way we are working is cooperatively with the police.
In respect of the anecdotal evidence that may be coming through on the gangs themselves, I think one of the important things for us to do in this area is not to repeat and reinforce communications that may be coming from the gangs themselves. What we are doing is having conversations regularly with ACT—(Time expired.)
MR COE: Attorney, what reports have you received as minister about Canberra being declared a “free for all” zone amongst bikie gangs?
MR RAMSAY: I do not recall those words being used in any of the reports that I have received.
MR HANSON: Attorney-General, what research or advice has the government received examining whether the increased bikie activity—outlaw motorcycle gang activity—is due to the lack of consorting laws in the ACT?
MR RAMSAY: I thank the shadow attorney-general for his supplementary question. We are regularly in consultation with ACT Policing. That is a key part of our work. We are hearing that, with the range of activities in the ACT, we do not see an increase in the crimes being reported. What we do see is that it is important for us to be able to respond in a range of ways to make sure that our community remains safe. We are continuing to do so, and we will continue to monitor all possible ways of ensuring that we have an effective and safe community, and an effective and safe law enforcement agency.
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