Anti-consorting laws rejected by ACT amid fears it's a bikie 'safe haven'
The ACT government says it will remain the only jurisdiction without anti-consorting legislation, despite warnings weaker laws are making the territory a "safe haven" for outlaw motorcycle gangs.
The government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has declined to join the rest of Australia in implementing anti-consorting laws, despite growing concerns about outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity in the territory. Chief Police Officer Scott Lee has publicly backed the introduction of such laws, which would prevent OMCGs from meeting in large public groups.
However, the ACT Police Minister Marisa Paterson argues that such laws would be "deeply problematic" and conflict with the territory's Human Rights Act. She cites evidence from other jurisdictions that these laws have been used to target vulnerable populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and young people.
The ACT government, instead of implementing anti-consorting laws, is focusing on strengthening other laws, such as those related to firearms, tobacco, family violence, and bail reform. The government is also seeking to ban the wearing of OMCG insignia. The opposition leader, Mark Parton, has called for the government to follow other jurisdictions in implementing anti-consorting laws for the safety of the community.
He has urged Legislative Assembly members to act on these laws as soon as possible, having previously brought three bills and four motions to the chamber on this matter.
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