Palaszczuk goes soft on criminal motorcycle gangs

Published Tuesday, 06 January, 2015 at 04:53 AM

Acting Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to rule out accepting donations or support from criminal motorcycle groups, following yesterday’s revelation that gangs would back Labor at the next state election.

Acting Treasurer Scott Emerson said the alternative Premier had shown she was weak on crime by embracing the support of criminal organisations and an explanation was needed.

“Instead of addressing the issue yesterday, her silence was deafening,” Mr Emerson said.

“If criminal motorcycle gangs are supporting Labor, then Ms Palaszczuk needs to detail what that level of support means.

“Ms Palaszczuk needs to back the LNP’s strong plan or a vote for Labor means returning to a state where criminal gangs threaten families, businesses and lay siege to police stations.”

Mr Emerson said he was concerned by comments from senior police that suggested any changes to the laws would be “foolhardy” and “plunge Queensland back into chaos and lawlessness”.

 “These laws have widespread community support because they have played an important part in cleaning up the streets,” he said.

“We are the first state in Australia to effectively deal with the criminal gang problems and that wouldn’t have happened without the current tough legislation.

“This work would be undone if Labor carried through with their threat to replace these laws.

“Our strong stance has been effective in targeting criminal gangs and crime in Queensland with 1706 criminal gang participants arrested on 4,710 charges since laws came in.”

Mr Emerson said the opposition leader backed these laws when they were introduced, but flip-flopped away from them when tough decisions had to be made.

 “Only the Newman LNP Government is a strong team with a strong plan to make Queensland the safest place to live, work and raise a family.”

 [ENDS] 6 January 2015

Media Contacts: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625