OFF THE WIRE
The Liberals have blocked news law aimed at helping police use criminal intelligence to stop bikies obtaining firearm licenses. Cartoon: Jos Valdman
THE Liberal Party has blocked parts of a Government law which would give police the power to use criminal intelligence to prevent criminals, such as outlaw bikies, gaining firearms and other licences.
The Upper House passed the criminal intelligence Bill this afternoon but made a number of changes which Attorney-General John Rau said presented a "real possibility of the communitys safety being jeopardised".
The SA Police Association had written to the Opposition and independent MPs warning that amendments to the Government's Bill would threaten public safety.
Mr Rau said Liberal justice spokesman Stephen Wade had publicly criticised police in the past for failing to ban certain bikies from holding firearms licences but "his opposition to the Governments criminal intelligence legislation is now a barrier to cracking down on criminals and firearms".
"He's criticising the police while tying their hands, despite being told by senior officers that they need these laws to protect the community," Mr Rau said.
The Bill will now go back to the Lower House but Mr Rau said he would not accept the amended version.
It is likely the Bill will have to go to a deadlock conference.
"I will not let this issue rest and I will reject the Oppositions amendments and try for a third time to give police the tools they need to continue to do their job," Mr Rau said.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/libs-block-new-bikie-gun-laws/story-e6frea83-1226317840116