Roozendaal an unusual bedfellow on proposed bikie laws

Yesterday Premier Rees secured in-principle agreement from NSW Cabinet for new so-called ‘anti-bikie’ laws, including proposals to ban certain motorcycling groups and punish members of those groups with up to two years jail for a first offence and up to 5 years jail for a second offence.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal nailed his colours to the mast at the Cabinet meeting and argued that banning certain groups was wrong because it could lead to a breach of civil liberties.

It appears that Mr Roozendaal must be listening to the barrage of criticisms flying at the government from groups such as the Council of Civil Liberties and the NSW Law Society. The NSW Law Society has warned that the proposed laws are the “thin edge of the wedge” and that other groups may be targeted, such as sporting, ethnic and religious organisations.

And where does the Coalition sit on these laws? Not surprisingly, they have fallen in line behind Premier Rees. NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell has called for South-Australian style tough anti-bikie legislation to be introduced ASAP. Speaking about the laws, Mr O'Farrell said "We need to stop pussyfooting around. We need to fight fire with fire."

In January, the Coalition justice spokesperson Greg Smith pledged to end the law and order auction on the basis that hardline sentencing and prison policies were failing. At the time, Mr Smith likened his position as a conservative pushing for a more moderate position on criminal justice to anti-communist Richard Nixon reopening relations with communist China in 1972. It appears Mr Smith has not been very successful on his crusade.

Crime linked to bikie clubs is the latest bad news story for the NSW government and they are attempting to deal with it by wheeling out more law and order legislation. But stripping away the rights of citizens with sweeping new laws is not the solution to gang related crime.

The bikie violence at Sydney Airport last week was horrendous and there is an urgent need to tackle organised crime in NSW. The Greens acknowledge this. But we also acknowledge that the proposed new laws would not have protected the people exposed to the gang fighting at Sydney Airport or saved the life of the young bikie killed last week. There is already a raft of criminal laws to arrest people for illegal and violent behaviour.

One alternative to the extreme laws proposed by Premier Rees to deal with organised crime is to move on gun reform. The National Coalition for Gun Control is calling for measures to reduce the legal supply of firearms, which in turn would reduce the flow of firearms into the black market and into the hands of bikie gangs.

When this legislation comes before the NSW Upper House the Greens will move a series of amendments to ensure that the changes do not weaken fundamental human rights. We look forward to the debate in parliament … and especially to the contributions from Eric Roozendaal and Greg Smith.  

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