OFF THE WIRE
LAW Institute of Victoria president Michael Holcroft has called a police swoop that stripped more than 120 registered firearms from "patched" members of outlaw motorcycle clubs an erosion of civil liberties.
Mr Holcroft said the police action was discriminatory and likely to be successfully challenged.
He said Victoria did not yet deem self-proclaimed outlaw motorcycle gangs criminal organisations, and until they were legislated against they could be regarded only as rebellious motorcycle riders.
Key concerns raised by the LIV included:
BIKIES being singled out despite not having criminal records.
STRIPPING firearm licences from registered gun owners even though they had previously passed the "fit and proper" persons test.
NO EVIDENCE that firearms seized had been used in any crime.
CLUB members had legitimate reasons to own a firearm.
A lawyer representing Tramps MC, John Suta, said he was writing to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay over the seizures.
The bikies can take their cases to the Fireams Appeals Committee and then to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
http://www.news.com.au/national/law-institute-blast-over-firearm-swoop/story-fndo4cq1-1226472067257
