SA police move against second bikie gang
SA police move against second bikie gang
AAP
South Australian police have moved to have a second bikie club branded a declared group under the state’s tough anti-gang laws.
Police have presented an application to Attorney-General Michael Atkinson to have the Rebels Motorcycle Club declared under the Serious and Organised Crime Control Act.
It follows a declaration against the Finks bikie gang in May this year and, if successful, can make it an offence for club members to associate with one another more than six times a year.
In some circumstances it can also be an offence for other people to associate with gang members.
Mr Atkinson said he would take public submissions on the application in relation to the Rebels until February 5, 2010.
“After February 5 I will consider any submissions I receive,” Mr Atkinson said.
“I may need time to consider those submissions or seek further legal advice.
“I will make a decision as soon as I am in a position to do so.”
To make a declaration in relation the Rebels the attorney-general must be satisfied that members associate for the purpose of organising, planning, facilitating, supporting or engaging in serious criminal activity.
He must also be satisfied the group represents a risk to public safety and order.
Mr Atkinson said he would consider the application from police carefully and would only declare the Rebels if it was warranted under the legislation.
