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Bikie law rush: Greens move to delay debate to May
Thursday 02 April 2009
Greens MP and justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said the controversial anti-bikie laws should not be rushed through the NSW parliament in one day. The Greens will move for debate on the new bill to occur when parliament next sits in May, to allow time to consider and consult on the new laws.
“It is irresponsible of the NSW government to push controversial
anti-bikie legislation through in one day," Ms Rhiannon said.
"Good laws are made with proper time for consultation and research to
ensure the consequences are positive.
“The challenge here is to get the balance right between protecting the
public and not undermining civil rights. That cannot be achieved in one
day of parliamentary debate.
"How can we have a meaningful debate and consider moving possible
amendments when MPs have not even seen the draft legislation?
“Today in the Upper House when the government tries to bring on debate
I will move that the debate is adjourned until parliament next sits on 5
May. This will give MPs a modest four weeks to consider the government's
bill.
“If the government rushes through this bill with no time to scrutinise
legal changes which will have a far reaching impact on the day to day
lives of many NSW citizens it will be apparent that the intent here is a
public relations exercise not good law reform.
"It looks like Premier Nathan Rees is falling back on the tired old law
and order tactics popular with former Labor leaders like Carr and Iemma.
“Earlier this week the Premier said that these laws were so complex
they needed time to get it right. What has changed Premier?" said Ms
Rhiannon.
More information: Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
