OFF THE WIRE
Qld Premier Campbell Newman says bikies should be charged if they break the law and not for associating with each other or wearing their club colours.
A Gold Coast tattoo parlour was sprayed in gunfire early Tuesday morning, reigniting debate about measures to crack down on bikie gxxgs and organised crime.
Mr Newman said the Liberal National Party (LNP) government was prepared to look at legislation introduced in NSW preventing bikie gxxgs from owning tattoo parlours and wearing their colours in licensed venues.
'We are concerned about organised crime across the state, particularly in the southeast,' he told reporters in Brisbane on Tuesday.
But he stopped short of supporting the laws.
'As a principle, the team that I lead believe that you shouldn't be sort of penalised for wearing your, if you like, footy team uniform or jersey.
'The crime is what you should be punished for.'
The Bligh Labor government introduced anti-bikie laws to Queensland parliament in 2009, which make it illegal to be a member or associate with members of a 'declared' organisation.
Unlike similar laws in South Australia, which were found to be unconstitutional, the Queensland legislation does not give the Attorney-General power to declare organisations illegal.
Instead, such declarations are made at the discretion of Supreme Court judges.
It is understood no such declarations have been made, and no charges have been laid since the laws were passed more than two years ago.
Mr Newman on Tuesday reiterated his party's opposition to the Criminal Organisation Act.
'But having said that we will be being very tough on crime.'
He said Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie and Police Minister Jack Dempsey were working together to deliver on election commitments to strengthen gun laws and toughen organised crime penalties.
Detectives on Tuesday denied there is a bikie turf war on the Gold Coast.
But Task Force Hydra, set up to fight outlaw motorcycle gangs in Queensland, has been called in to help the investigation.
The Serious and Violent Crime Squad has also been called in.
http://www.skynews.com.au/politics/article.aspx?id=743175&vId=
