AUSTRALIA - Anti-bikie laws passed in NSW

OFF THE WIRE
Bikie (*club*) are set to be declared criminal organisations in NSW, with new anti-(*club*) legislation passed by parliament.

Bikie (*club*) are set to be declared criminal organisations in NSW, with new anti-(*club*) legislation passed by parliament.

NSW Attorney-General Greg Smith says the new laws will arm police with new powers in their fight to crack down on organised crime.

"This is the latest in a series of measures to support police in the work against organised crime, which include stronger consorting laws, and increased penalties for drive-by shootings," he said on Monday.

Earlier this month, the High Court upheld a similar Queensland law after the Gold Coast chapter of the Finks bikie (*club*) argued it was unconstitutional and denied procedural fairness.

NSW's amended legislation adopts Queensland's model in allowing for the Supreme Court, rather than an eligible judge, to make decisions on applications to declare an organisation a criminal organisation.

The Supreme Court will also decide what is criminal intelligence. "This will enable police to protect the public from criminal (*club*) whose sole purpose is to commit crimes and terrorise the community," Mr Smith said.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced plans to implement national anti-(*club*) and asset seizure laws.

Mr Smith said that "while we are waiting for details of the federal government's proposal on national laws to crack down on criminal organisations, NSW has workable legislation in place".

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1750212/Anti-bikie-laws-passed-in-NSW