The Victorian government is taking tough measures against outlaw bikie gang members with plans to strip them of club colours, patches, and symbols.
The recommendations were made after an independent review of Victoria’s Criminal Organisations Control Act 2012 found that current measures fail to tackle organised crime.
The new laws, considered among the harshest in Australia, would give police increased powers by making it easier to issue non-association notices to curb serious criminal gangs.
The anti-association laws could see outlaw bikie gang members prohibited from consorting with each other while police are able to apply for court orders to disrupt their illegal operations for up to five years.
Bikie gang members must also remove their club colours, insignia, symbols, and patches, while items that have outlaw bikie gangs’ logos on them such as jackets and flags could also be confiscated by police.
The incoming reforms would also include better tracking of unexplained wealth and strengthening crime prevention orders.
Bikies could face up to five years in prison and be subject to significant fines if they breach the laws.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines confirmed on Nov. 2 that the state government was working with police and other stakeholders to crack down on organised crime.
“We’re going to make sure that the community is safe and knows that we’re going to disrupt, dismantle and get right up the nose of organised crime every which way that we can,” he told reporters at parliament.
Other states have had success with similar laws, the minister said.
Gangland Violence On The Rise
Previously, interstate motorcycle gangs, including members from the Commancheros and the Finks from Queensland, have moved to Victoria to set up their chapters and escape tough laws. The number of bikie gangs have soared over the past decade, from 1,200 in 2013 t0 2,112 in 2020—up 75 percent.However, the new legislation is expected to bring Victoria in line with other states.
These expanded powers come as a response to the rising gangland killings, arson attacks, and firebombing linked to the illicit tobacco trade, which is the most prevalent in Victoria.
In October, at least 28 businesses in Melbourne that sold illegal tobacco products have been the target of arsonists in the previous seven months, according to the Police Federation of Australia.
Some critics have argued that the new law wasn’t in line with the freedom of association, privacy, reputation and personal security stated in civil rights. Some also called for the oversight of police powers.
“Every single Victorian should be worried about these laws because they’re excessive and ripe for abuse. Such laws belong in a police state—not the connected, harmonious community that we all want Victoria to be.”
Meanwhile, David Southwick, Deputy Victorian Liberal Leader, has criticised the state Labour government for its delay in rolling out the anti-association orders, which have been introduced for more than five years, as well as the Firearms Prohibition Orders.
Mr. Soutwick said the current laws were “falling flat” and “giving organised criminals across the nation the green light in Victoria.”
This would lead to “more serious violent, drug and gun crime on our streets and [place] the safety of ordinary Victorians at risk,” he said.
