Bikie laws ‘undermine basic rights’
TOUGH new bikie laws undermine basic rights in Australia and increase the possibility of police corruption, the NSW Greens said.
The legislation passed the Upper House just before midnight (AEDT) last night without the support of the Greens.
Under the new laws, gang members who associate with each other can be charged without warning and face at least two years in jail.
Greens MP and justice spokeswoman Lee Rhiannon said crucial amendments the Greens proposed were shot down by both Labor and Opposition members.
One of the amendments the Greens proposed was a two-year sunset clause to the laws and a proposal for the Ombudsman to review the legislation at the end of that period.
“Our amendments designed to protect the public while safeguarding civil rights were lost,” Ms Rhiannon said.
“The anti-gang legislation undermines the current rules of evidence, weakens the right of freedom of association and increases the possibility for police corruption.”
Ms Rhiannon said both the Government and the Opposition ignored reservations from the NSW Bar Association and the Law Society about the laws.
“All the Greens amendments to increase judicial and police accountability were defeated,” she said.
The laws follow the death of Anthony Zervas, brother of Hells Angel Peter Zervas, who died after a violent brawl at Sydney Airport last month.
The brawl was allegedly between bikie gangs Hells Angels and Comancheros.
