Proposed legislation by the O'Farrell government aimed at reviving Labor's failed anti-gang laws is a further step in the wrong direction and is likely to distract police from the real task of focusing on gangs' existing criminal activity according to Greens NSW MP and Justice spokesperson David Shoebridge.
"People want action on shootings, assaults, attempted murders, firearms offences and extortion and we already have a suite of laws that address
these crimes. This is where police resources should be focused," Mr Shoebridge said.
"This new law will likely do little to address gang violence and end up being a distraction from the real task of targeting gangs existing criminal activity.
"It is ridiculous to think that a group of people who already flout laws prohibiting extortion, murder and gun-running will suddenly be brought to heal by a new law that outlaws their club.
"This law is not limited to bikie gangs. A law banning association is the wrong way to go – gangs are a problem when they engage in criminal activity – and the existing laws already prohibit this.
"Labor and the Coalition are tripping over themselves to be seen to be doing something here, rather than looking into directing police resources towards dealing with organised violence and crime.
"As with previous laws in South Australia and NSW there is a good chance that the High Court will have the final say, with potentially thousands of hours of police time wasted.
"While we oppose this latest attempt to revive criminal association laws, The Greens continue to support the government's tightening up of the firearms loophole that gives gun owners unrestricted, and unregulated, access to all classes of ammunition.
"We have been arguing for an increased focus on firearm ownership and ammunition sales for some time and the firearms amendments will safely
pass through Parliament with the Greens' support," Mr Shoebridge said.