AUSTRAILIA - Premier Campbell Newman blames former Labor Government for flare up in bike-related violence

OFF THE WIRE

From: The Courier-Mail

Robyn Ironside

VIDEO, http://video.couriermail.com.au/2242057619/Police-on-bikie-shooting

PREMIER Campbell Newman has blamed the former Labor Government for the flare-up in bikie-related violence after the latest shootings targeting Bandidos' property. Mr Newman said he shared community concern about "what was happening'' in relation to gang warfare moving into the suburbs.
"What we're seeing is the results of the government taking its hand off the wheel over the last few years,'' he said.
"We're very firmly in control now and we're going to take the necessary steps to protect the public.''
Despite the Attorney-General announcing a month ago he was reviewing anti-association laws designed to target outlaw motorcycle gangs, the Premier said they were going to stick with the laws.

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"They are there and we will use them even though we don't believe they are the best way to go,'' Mr Newman said.
"We believe a better way to go after criminal organisations is the unexplained wealth approach and that's where we're going,'' he said.
"We're also bringing forward changes to the Weapons Act. People who carry handguns and sawn-off shotguns will be in serious trouble.''
An extra 20 detectives announced for Taskforce Hydra and the Major Crime Squad last month were still being recruited, said a spokesman for Police Minister Jack Dempsey.