Page 3354 - Week 09 - Thursday, 24 August 2017
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It’s about dismantling, disrupting and preventing rather than responding.
Minister, isn’t it a better policy to prevent shootings and fire bombings rather than simply to respond to them?
MR GENTLEMAN: Yes, I agree with Mr Hanson: it is better to be preventative than responsive. That is why we are working with ACT police on new legislation and providing them with extra resources. As I have said, during this budget we have provided ACT Policing with additional resources to provide them with the tools that they need to operate in this space. They are doing that job. As I said, on the weekend, in regard to the drive-in with the Comancheros, ACT police did a fantastic job. They stayed with them all weekend, issued the appropriate infringements when needed and acted on the spot when they were needed at the Fyshwick event.
MR HANSON: Minister, is the Chief Police Officer wrong when she says that anti-consorting laws are an important tool to dismantle, disrupt and prevent OMCG crime?
MR GENTLEMAN: The CPO is referring to the operation of these particular laws in other jurisdictions. We have looked at how they could operate in the ACT. We have concerns about the human rights component of them. Of course, we are not alone. In fact, in New South Wales the Ombudsman is looking at these particular laws, has some concerns, and has written to the authorities on those concerns. We will be looking at those outcomes as well.
MRS JONES: Minister, do you have evidence that recent bikie gatherings in Canberra were not used for planning and preparing criminal conduct by gathering in a way that they were prohibited from in other states? And if they are not a risk to the ACT population, why do police meet them every time they come here?
Ms Fitzharris: Madam Speaker, I believe there was a significant preamble to that supplementary question.
Mrs Jones: On the point of order, Madam Speaker, the question began: “Minister, do you have”, which does not mean there is a preamble.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mrs Jones. Do you want to repeat your question in whole so the minister can hear it?
MRS JONES: Yes. Minister, do you have evidence that recent bikie gatherings in Canberra were not used for planning or perpetrating or preparing to perpetrate criminal conduct by gathering in a way that they are prohibited from doing in other states? And if they are not a risk to the ACT, why do police meet them every time they come here?
MR GENTLEMAN: There is no evidence that has been put to me that shows that these groups were coming to prepare for any criminal activities in relation to the ACT.
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