AUSTRALIA - Queensland Police will scrutinise any outlaw motorcyle riders travelling in threes under new laws

OFF THE WIRE
POLICE will target groups of three or more outlaw motorcyclists riding together under new anti-bikie laws going to State Cabinet today.

Cabinet will also examine laws allowing police to stop, search and photograph anyone in bikie club colours.

Attorney General Jarrod Bleijie issued a statement this morning clarifying the crackdown would not target innocent riders.

"This legislation will target only criminal motorcycle gxxg members. Other law abiding motorbike riders have nothing to worry about," Mr Bleijie said.

The new laws would complement increased powers Premier Campbell Newman is expected to introduce for the Crime and Misconduct Commission, which would compel bikies to answer questions.

Anti-racketeering laws and laws banning outlaw motorcycle gxxgs similar to those in NSW are also expected. Some proposals could contain a one-year sunset clause.

The laws, part of the Newman Government's attempts to drive outlaw gxxgs from Queensland, have angered recreational bikers who yesterday slammed them as "ridiculous" and "unnecessary".

Mr Bleijie said the legislation would help put an end to bikies' "annual runs".

"There's the old saying about power in numbers and these criminal motorcycle gxxgs try to use their numbers to strike fear in the community," he said.

"Limiting their ability to ride in big groups would make running their criminal enterprises more difficult and it would help prevent the kind of mass intimidation we saw at Broadbeach," he said.

It is understood Mr Newman has personally briefed NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell on the proposals and wants him to help stop bikies crossing the border as reinforcements.

Mr O'Farrell met NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione over the weekend to map out what NSW can do to back Mr Newman in ensuring bikie reinforcements don't come north.

The new laws will be considered by Cabinet today, with final announcements expected in the next fortnight.


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