Criminal Gang laws keeping Queenslanders safer

Queensland families are safer under the Newman LNP Government’s tough criminal gang laws as police continue to rid the state of organised crime.

Acting Police Minister and Attorney-General John McVeigh said Labor intended to undo the huge reductions in criminal gang numbers and criminal gang activities that included murder, drug trafficking and extortion.

“Our strong LNP team made the decision in October 2013 to take a stand against criminal gangs who thought they could shoot rivals and innocent people in shopping centres, brawl in our streets, deal drugs to our kids and blockade a police station without consequences,” Mr McVeigh said.

“This Government’s strong stance against organised crime has been fair and effective and it has had a tremendous and unprecedented impact on criminal gangs and crime in general in Queensland.”

Mr McVeigh said since the laws were introduced 1,706 criminal gang participants had been arrested on 4,710 charges.

“There have also been 80 people arrested on 120 charges that have been alleged to be a Vicious Lawless Associate,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Crimes associated with criminal gangs have also dropped.” 

New statistics show that between July 1, 2014 and November 30, 2014:

• The rate of reported robbery is down 27 per cent, a drop of 185 offences.
• The rate of reported extortion is down 35 per cent, a drop of 16 offences.
• The rate of reported unlawful entry is down 20 per cent, a drop of 2,875 offences.
• The rate of reported motor vehicle theft is down 19 per cent, a drop of 773 offences.

“We are also seeing greater community confidence in coming forward to report criminal gang members,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Crime Stoppers has received 1,420 calls which has led to the arrest of 131 people. This means fewer innocent Queenslanders have had to suffer from the fear and intimidation of criminal gang members.

“Other states are now looking at following our lead, yet Labor wants to take Queensland back to the bad old days by repealing these strong and effective reforms.

“The opposition has no plan and has not released any policies to deal with criminal gangs.

“Our strong LNP team has made good progress but the job isn’t done and the Government and police will work together to keep crime gangs from regaining a foothold and make the future brighter for families.”

[ENDS] 5 January 2015

Media Contacts: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821