INNOCENT MOTORCYLISTS HAVE MUCH TO FEAR FROM RUSHED LNP LAWS

Media Release.

 

Law-abiding members of legitimate groups of motorcycle enthusiasts are yet more victims of the Newman Government’s failure to consult on its anti-crime gang laws and have them fully scrutinised, says Shadow Police Minister, Bill Byrne.

 

Mr Byrne said the Opposition was not opposed to tougher measures against outlaw gangs and their criminal activities but had cautioned against knee-jerk posturing.

 

“We have led the calls for a measured and proportionate reaction to the threat posed by gangs. Legislation should be based on expert legal advice to avoid unintended consequences."

 

“The Opposition collaborated with the crossbenchers to move amendments designed to protect innocent motorcyclists being caught by the new laws rushed through Parliament by the Attorney-General,” said Mr Byrne.

 

“There are real concerns that the catch-all nature of the legislation will see innocent groups and innocent riders caught up in the new laws because the LNP refused to listen to reasonable, intelligent and sensible contributions in this debate."

 

“If law abiding motorcyclists are caught up as collateral damage in Mr Bleijie’s laws that would be entirely counter-productive for everyone involved, including the government."

 

“This suite of Bills have been largely generated in isolation, have an extremely hard-edge and have not been tested in any forum except in a rushed Parliamentary debate where there was no time to give them proper scrutiny."

 

“I believe they are an embarrassment waiting to happen. There will be problems with implementation regardless of any legal challenges to come because the laws have not been thoroughly scrutinised by experts and stakeholders such as legitimate motorcycle enthusiasts."

 

“Although non-government MPs were given scant information beforehand, the Attorney-General was forced to amend one of the laws on the hoof when we pointed out that it had been poorly drafted."

 

“Some of the penalties that Mr Bleijie is introducing are way beyond comprehension and I think it is inevitable that there will be High Court challenges.”