LABOR WOULD REPEAL AND REPLACE CRIMINAL GANG LAWS

Media Release

OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
TUESDAY, 04 MARCH, 2014

The State Labor Opposition has tonight committed to repealing and replacing the LNP government’s ill-conceived and unworkable criminal motorcycle gang laws.
Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk told State Parliament Labor would consult with the legal community to rewrite new laws to take to the next state election.

Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland needed anti-crime gang laws but they needed to be workable so they did not target innocent Queenslanders and that would be achieved through consultation.
“I can assure Queenslanders that a future Labor Government will make sure we have laws that target organised crime gangs without attacking innocent people,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We will start that process by developing over coming months our own workable anti-crime gang laws."

“Where the LNP does not listen, we will."
“Where the LNP rejects expert advice, we will welcome and embrace it."
“Where the LNP bungles laws, we will get them right."
“We will repeal and replace them."
“At the end of our consultations, we will be in a position to outline new and workable laws that will be implemented by a Labor Government."
“We will also establish a public judicial inquiry to assess the state of organised crime in Queensland and the need for any additional legislative measures.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the Premier and his government had tonight been presented with an opportunity to get the laws right by voting with an Opposition motion requesting a public inquiry into anti-crime gang laws by the Parliament’s Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee, including consultation with the Queensland Law Society, Bar Association and judiciary.

“By voting against that request, the Premier has proven that his arrogance knows no bounds,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“This was an opportunity for Campbell Newman to put his promises into action and actually start listening to people."

“He has made a mockery of his commitment to listen more and consult more.”