Australia,Govt arrogant on bikie laws, say Libs

OFF THE WIRE
AAP
Source: smh.com.au
The High Court's decision to strike down aspects of South Australia's anti-bikie laws stands as a shameful failure of an arrogant state government, the SA opposition says.

Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond said the government had been inept and shoddy in pursuing the High Court action.

"While we will all need time to analyse the implications of the judgement, I call on the government to stop fighting the courts and the constitution and focus on fighting crime on the ground," she said.

Advertisement: Story continues below "Outlaw motorcycle gangs will be brought under control by police and the community, not by lawyers and legislators."

Ms Redmond said the Liberal Party had consistently expressed concern that the legislation would be both unsuccessful in curtailing gangs and that it posed a risk to the rights of the innocent.

"The High Court has thrown a challenge to the government," she said.

"We will now see whether Attorney-General John Rau has the courage to stand up and deliver real action."

In its judgment on Thursday the High Court ruled against provisions in the SA legislation which allowed for control orders to be slapped on gang members without a court having the power to see or review the evidence relied on.

The High Court sided with two members of the Finks motorcycle club who had challenged the SA laws, winning a judgement in the Supreme Court last year.