A report by a taskforce reviewing Queensland’s anti-bikie laws is a step in the right direction for dealing with organised crime as a whole, rather than just focusing on one small sub-group.
The Australian policing response to bikie gangs is one–dimensional, with an enforcement focus placed above all else.
AAP
How can we judge success in Australia’s crackdown on bikie gang? And what lessons can we take away from this type of law enforcement campaign?
South Australia’s proposed anti-bikie laws criminalise the wearing of anything that indicates association with a declared ‘criminal organisation’ on licensed premises.
AAP/Eric Sands
While South Australia’s proposed anti-bikie laws may be constitutional, there are clear reasons why introducing them is at best premature – and at worst a very bad idea.
Are authorities too focused on the usual suspects and missing the new and emerging markets in organised crime?
AAP/Adam Marsters
Today’s organised crime occurs through loose and undefined networks made up of criminal entrepreneurs and freelancers with little concern for group branding or loyalty.
Methylamphetamine, in particular crystal meth or ‘ice’, has been the subject of much scrutiny in Australia in recent times.
AAP/David Crosling
How does the ACC report help inform the debate around methylamphetamine, and what practical lessons can Australian society and law enforcement draw from it?
Queenslanders have seen a more conciliatory Premier Campbell Newman since the launch of ‘Operation Boring’, with wife Lisa (right) taking a prominent role by his side.
AAP/David Kapernick
If Queensland’s Liberal National Party reclaims government at this Saturday’s election, you can be sure the politicians will be quick to take the credit. But behind the scenes, much of the credit for the…
A spate of shootings and public brawls prompted a Queensland government crackdown on bikie gangs – but there is much more to the state’s falling crime rates than just getting bikies off the streets.
AAP Image/Dan Peled
Queensland’s Liberal National government has made law and order – particularly its anti-bikie laws – a key part of its re-election pitch. The government recently claimed that “Criminal Gang laws (are…
How was the anti-bikie strategy in Queensland framed, and what has it achieved so far?
AAP/Dean Lewins
Queensland’s bikie crackdown and its associated legislative measures have polarised public opinion on the necessity and success of this approach. So with a High Court challenge to the new laws due to be…
In the face of rising opposition to its anti-bikie measures, the Queensland government must find a way to cut through the rhetoric with facts and stop inflaming the debate.
AAP/Dan Peled
One fascinating aspect of the Newman government’s “war on bikies” in Queensland has been the battle for the hearts and minds of average citizens. In an attempt to convince the public of the threat – and…
The CFMEU says corruption within the building industry should be referred to the police for prosecution, but the government is looking to a revived ABCC.
Julian Smith/AAP
Recent investigations into the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) by the ABC and Fairfax have revealed relationships between rogue union officials, underworld figures and outlaw motorcycle…
A change in investigative and policing strategy is needed if the Queensland government is to win the so-called ‘bikie wars’.
AAP/Paul Miller
Three months into the campaign by the Queensland government against outlaw motorcycle gangs, some meaningful analysis of the effectiveness and justification for the unprecedented measures is possible…
Recent protests against Queensland’s anti-bikie laws will find no comfort in previous court rulings that uphold legislators’ power to infringe freedom of association.
AAP/Kym Agius
This week in Brisbane, police charged five Victorian men under Queensland anti-bikie legislation, which makes it an offence for gang members to congregate in groups. But do we actually enjoy freedom of…
The new laws against bikie gangs in Queensland are meant to be ‘tough’ but will innocent riders be affected?
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“This legislation will target only criminal motorcycle gang members. Other law abiding motorbike riders have nothing to worry about,” Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie, press release, October…
In Queensland, the Finks motorcycle gang are among those in the gun of police, the state government, the media and the public.
AAP/Joe Castro
Bikies have become the poster boys of crime in Queensland. In the past week we’ve seen the announcement of a spartan, bikies-only jail likened to Guantanamo Bay, tough new laws rushed through a marathon…
Bandidos bike gang member Jacques Teamo, who faced court after last week’s Broadbeach brawl.
AAP
Australia has two types of bikies: Conservatives and Radicals. The Conservative lifestyle involves riding big bikes, drinking a lot, punching your mates and enemies, then falling over and sleeping it off…
Australian motorcycle gang the Finks are expected to merge with US group the Mongols. Does this represent a new ‘corporatised’ world of organised crime?
AAP/Eric Sands
In the world of illegal markets and organised crime, money is the prime mover. Legal or not, if someone’s willing to buy, odds are someone else is willing to supply. In the two decades or so since the…
Organised crime is a ‘market’ for illicit goods and services just as any other market, and should be treated as such, according to a new ACC report.
AAP/Paul Miller
We all know how organised crime works, right? Form a shadowy group (think the Japanese Yakuza, the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta, the Sinaloa Cartel, an outlaw motorcycle gang - take your pick), preferably one…
We need to look beyond bikies for a solution to tackle organised crime in Australia.
AAP/NSW Police
Last week, the High Court upheld Queensland’s controversial criminal association laws, which had been challenged by the Gold Coast Chapter of the Finks Motor Cycle Club and Pompano Pty Ltd. The challenge…