Page 600 - Week 02 - Thursday, 16 February 2017
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Crime—motor cycle gangs
MR HANSON: My question is to the Attorney-General. Attorney-General, I refer to a report that states that a number of outlaw motorcycle gangs “have been given legal advice that the ACT would be easier to operate out of rather than other states, where tough anti-bikie laws are in place”. Attorney-General, have you received your own legal advice on this matter, and does that advice confirm that the ACT is easier for outlaw motor cycle gangs to operate out of?
MR RAMSAY: Obviously I cannot comment on legal advice that any other party may have received. In relation to the question, it is not the policy of the government to comment on legal advice that has been received in relation to legal, professional privilege.
MR HANSON: Attorney-General, is it still the case that the ACT does not collect data about the number and nature of crimes or the range of offences committed by outlaw motorcycle gang members in the ACT?
MR RAMSAY: As I indicated in my previous answer, the information that we have from ACT Policing is that Taskforce Nemesis is working and is collecting very effective information. Let me repeat: 131 search warrants across Canberra, seizing firearms, weapons, cash, drugs and anabolic steroids. As of 30 October, 71 outlaw motorcycle gang members have been brought before the court charged with a total of 217 offences and 67 per cent have been found guilty.
MR WALL: Attorney, is it not the case that the movement into the ACT of outlaw motorcycle gangs is exactly what has been warned about and ignored by your government since 2009?
MR RAMSAY: There is no way that this government is ignoring or has been ignoring the—
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Would you be interested in the minister’s answer? If so, I suggest you be quiet and cease interjecting.
MR RAMSAY: The government continues to consider a range of ways. We are looking at anti-fortification laws, knowing that fortifications are structures that are designed to stop or inhibit premises being entered. The ACT does not currently have fortification laws, but we will continue to look at those and continue to see how it is that we can enforce matters.
There are a range of enforcement measures which are already available within the existing laws and which we believe can be pursued. We look forward to maintaining a safe community.
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