BY: Melissa Maddison
Source: abc.net.au
Australia - More than 100 motorcyclists took part in a rally in
Mackay in north Queensland to protest against the State Government's
crackdown on motorcycle gangs.
The Queensland Government is considering laws banning gang members from gathering in groups.
Yesterday, 100 riders from 10 different clubs, including Rebels, social club Ulysses and Vietnam Veterans took part in a rally in Mackay.
Police set up a roadblock on Nebo Road, with riders breath tested and registrations and licences checked.
Ted Walters from the Pioneer Valley Ulysses Club says the proposed laws are unfair.
"How would anybody feel to have the Premier stand up on national TV and tell you that all bike riders will be treated as criminals?" he said.
"Where's my rights in that. Where's my rights? Where's my court case before I get called a criminal."
Barry Hayhoe from the Tribe of Judah says the proposed law is unwarranted.
"It's a stupid law - guilty until proven innocent," he said.
"That just doesn't sit with me."
Rebels' member Bill Holgate says bike riders are being unfairly targeted.
"You tell me what walk of life doesn't have criminals," he said.
"They're in everything you want to name." Road safety concern
Police Superintendent Terry Borland says their focus is on illegal activity.
"There's no secret to that and we're going to continue to maintain that focus," he said.
He says the police response to yesterday's rally was appropriate.
Superintendent Borland says their main concern was for road safety.
"A lot of people here at this event, it was arranged in a short period of time," he said.
"We have no idea where all these people were last night and even some have actually said to us, they had a few ales last night etc and they were hoping they went under.
"That in itself is a good indicator why we're here to make our roads safe."
Queensland Parliament is expected to consider the laws this week.
Yesterday, 100 riders from 10 different clubs, including Rebels, social club Ulysses and Vietnam Veterans took part in a rally in Mackay.
Police set up a roadblock on Nebo Road, with riders breath tested and registrations and licences checked.
Ted Walters from the Pioneer Valley Ulysses Club says the proposed laws are unfair.
"How would anybody feel to have the Premier stand up on national TV and tell you that all bike riders will be treated as criminals?" he said.
"Where's my rights in that. Where's my rights? Where's my court case before I get called a criminal."
Barry Hayhoe from the Tribe of Judah says the proposed law is unwarranted.
"It's a stupid law - guilty until proven innocent," he said.
"That just doesn't sit with me."
Rebels' member Bill Holgate says bike riders are being unfairly targeted.
"You tell me what walk of life doesn't have criminals," he said.
"They're in everything you want to name." Road safety concern
Police Superintendent Terry Borland says their focus is on illegal activity.
"There's no secret to that and we're going to continue to maintain that focus," he said.
He says the police response to yesterday's rally was appropriate.
Superintendent Borland says their main concern was for road safety.
"A lot of people here at this event, it was arranged in a short period of time," he said.
"We have no idea where all these people were last night and even some have actually said to us, they had a few ales last night etc and they were hoping they went under.
"That in itself is a good indicator why we're here to make our roads safe."
Queensland Parliament is expected to consider the laws this week.
