OFF THE WIRE
SYDNEY — Bikie clubs are preparing to launch a challenge in the High
Court against Queensland’s anti-gang laws, saying that they have no
choice but to fight back.
Clubs and motorcycle enthusiasts around
the world are assembling a half-a-million-dollar fund to support the
challenge. Other supporters have offered to open up their homes or
provide holidays overseas so bikies can ride out the new laws, reported
AAP.
The challenge, led by Zeke Bentley of Brisbane-based Irish
Bentley Lawyers and joined by Sydney barrister Wayne Baffsky, will argue
the laws violate civil liberties enshrined in the Australian
constitution and erode the separation of powers.
Mr Bentley says
the laws can jail any individuals indefinitely for refusing to answer
police questions, and prevent individuals from working in certain
industries, such as construction and security. He also says the laws
empower political interference into the administration of criminal
justice and can be used quite broadly.
“They apply to any group
the Government of the day decides to classify as unlawful, and they
apply to innocent people who meet a member of an unlawful group
socially,” he said.
United Motorcycle Council of Queensland
spokesman and Rebels veteran Mick Kosenko says Queenslanders should
support the challenge in the High Court as the laws have potential to
impact broadly on all Queenslanders.
“The laws don’t state motorcycle clubs – they state people – and every Queenslander is a person,” Mr Kosenko said.
He also says they’ve asked about 3000 Rebels members in 21 countries to contribute to the fund.
“It’s almost like a Eureka Stockade feeling – we’re the underdogs,” he told AAP.
However,
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman says law-abiding motorcycle
enthusiasts do not need to be concerned about the new laws, at a press
conference on Dec 1.
“These laws are against criminal gangs.
Gangs that manufacture drugs and sell them to kids. Gangs that result in
a whole lot of misery in our society,” Premier Newman said.
Attorney-General
Jarrod Bleijie further insists that the laws target only criminal
motorcycle gangs, the groups that are linked to murder, rape, extortion
and drug trafficking.
He says the Queensland Government is
prepared for the High Court challenge. “We always expected a challenge
and we are ready to fight back,” Mr Bleijie said.
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/382225-bikies-to-challenge-laws-in-australian-high-court/
