Arrogant Newman Government Refuses Opposition Bikie Briefing

Media Release.

The Newman government has arrogantly refused to provide the Opposition with a briefing on its planned new laws targeting crime gangs which will be rushed through State Parliament this week.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said the lack of a briefing meant the laws could not be fully scrutinised, running the risk they may contain provisions that could be successfully challenged in the courts.

“Any successful legal challenge by well-funded crime gangs would be a massive blow to the government’s credibility but more importantly it would be a betrayal of frontline police officers,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Police officers are asked daily to put their lives and personal safety on the line to tackle crime using the laws the government delivers."

“In the case of organised crime gangs, threats to police are dramatically escalated."

“So if the Newman government delivers new laws that are successfully challenged, then the police who put their lives and safety on the line and rely on those laws will rightly feel betrayed.”

Ms Palaszczuk said Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney had advised her Opposition MPs would see the new laws for the first time when they were presented to State Parliament.

“This is not good enough given the significance of the laws and the need to ensure they are thoroughly scrutinised to ensure they stand up to inevitable legal challenges."

“We need to remember the laws are the responsibility of a bungling Attorney-General who has so far failed to keep two inmates in a youth boot camp."

“Elements of this new legislation have been drip fed through media stunts by the Attorney-General in the past week or so, but the arrogant Newman government clearly plans to push them through using its huge majority and without proper scrutiny."

“The fact is there is time to ensure the draft laws are referred to an all-party committee just like every other Bill."

“If there is genuine urgency, the committee system can accommodate it and ensure prompt scrutiny and a rapid response."

“In any rush job, something is bound to be missed."

“Pushing through the laws without real scrutiny will be seen for a continuation of the stage managed approach the government has taken in a bid to divert attention from its broken promises and failures.”