NEWMAN GOVERNMENT HANGS CLOUD OVER TRADIES

Media Release

Deputy Opposition Leader, Tim Mulherin, says the Newman Government has put a cloud over all tradies in Queensland with its rushed and bungled anti-crime gang laws.

“The LNP is now demonising all tradies by putting the thought in people’s minds that their local tradies may have links with criminal bikie gangs,” Mr Mulherin said.

“It is simply not right for honest and innocent tradies to be caught in the LNP’s politically motivated laws.

“People who break the law should face the consequences, but they should be caught by workable laws that do not also destroy the lives, jobs and family income of innocent people.

“In fact the vast majority of legal action against alleged criminal bikies has so far been taken under previously existing laws, proving police already had powers to tackle organised crime gangs.

“If further powers were needed they should have been enshrined in workable laws that target real criminals, not ones that destroy innocent lives and reputations.

“I note that legal advice given to unions reportedly says even innocent law-abiding tradies who may have had a connection with a motorcycle club in the past could face the loss of their livelihoods thanks to the Newman Government’s laws. 

 “It seems that every day another aspect of the rushed laws comes to light.

“The bungling Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie was forced to amend his laws even before they were passed when the Opposition pointed out that lawyers doing their duty and advising their clients could be caught under his new laws.

“Recently it was revealed the Attorney-General could use the laws to peek into people’s bedroom windows.

“Then he suggested even returned service personnel who are marching on Anzac Day are under threat from police raids.

“All this just proves the need for a new Attorney-General capable of drafting workable laws that catch real criminals.

“When the Premier returns to his desk on Monday his first item of business should be to announce a ministerial reshuffle and give Queenslanders a new Attorney-General, one who knows that laws must be applied fairly and effectively to provide real protection to the community.

“Unfortunately the current Attorney-General seems more intent on using his new laws as a personal publicity machine for advancing his own political career,” Mr Mulherin said.