AUSTRALIA - SOUTH Australia will amend its anti-bikie laws to bring them into line with Queensland's legislation.

OFF THE WIRE

The move follows a unsuccessful High Court challenge against the Queensland laws by the Finks motorcycle gang. Attorney-General John Rau said the changes centred on the mechanism to appoint a judge to hear applications to outlaw criminal gangs in SA. "A recent unsuccessful challenge to Queensland's organised crime laws has meant that other states have brought their laws into line with Queensland's legislation," Mr Rau said. "These circumstances mean that it would be prudent for South Australia to follow suit. "Failing to do so would obviously make our state a particular target for challenge." Mr Rau said the changes in SA would also ensure that any orders made by local courts would be recognised in other states. The South Australian opposition said the changes meant the state government had twice been forced to return to parliament to fix up the anti-bikie laws after parts of its original legislation were ruled invalid by the High Court in 2010. Justice spokesman Stephen Wade said on first read the latest changes contained significant departures from the Queensland legislation, increasing the risk of constitutional challenge. But he said the opposition would work through the amendments constructively. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/sa-to-amend-anti-bikie-laws/story-fnihsfrf-1226674237485