Mongrel Mob to be outlawed in Queensland

Published Thursday, 26 July, 2018 at 09:25 AM

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
The Honourable Yvette D'Ath

A gang originally founded in New Zealand, Mongrel Mob, will be declared an ‘identified organisation’, as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to strike-out organised crime in Queensland.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the declaration, to be approved by Governor in Council today, targeted a gang widely described as one of the most fearsome in the world.

“Today’s declaration is further proof that Queensland’s regime to combat the threat posed by criminal gangs and organised crime is the toughest and most effective in Australia,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The Police Commissioner has advised there is evidence of Mongrel Mob activity in Queensland and we are acting to prevent it from establishing a foothold in the state.

“This is an organisation with the attributes of an outlaw motorcycle gang with violent initiation processes, Nazi insignia and motto and members who outside Queensland have been involved in murder, armed robberies, extortion, home invasion, firearms and drug offences.

“QPS has advised Mongrel Mob members have recently displayed their colours in public in Brisbane, Logan, Rockhampton and the Gold Coast," Mrs D'Ath said.

Mrs D’Ath said the declaration meant Mongrel Mob and its participants were now subject to the tightest laws in Australia to restrict the ability to intimidate and recruit.

The Palaszczuk Government’s Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Act 2016, has been used to disrupt criminal networks; stop the wearing of outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) colours in public; shut down OMCG clubhouses and seize prohibited items; and charge criminals with serious organised crime offences.

“Since the introduction of the Organised Crime Regimewe have successfully disrupted the illegal operation of identified organisations, keeping Queenslanders safer,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“There are now 28 entities, including Bandidos, The Finks, and the Rebels which have been declared as identified organisations,” she said.

Organised Crime Gangs Group’s Operations Commander, Detective Superintendent Roger Lowe said the QPS would continue to use every legal mechanism available to dismantle and disrupt organised crime gangs operating in this state. 

“This legislation has restricted the ability of gangs to create a climate of fear and intimidation in the community through the deliberate statement of membership attached to club colours,” Detective Superintendent Lowe said.

“We will pursue criminal gangs and individual members to deter those maintaining or expanding criminal networks.

“The Organised Crime Gangs Group works closely with district police and other agencies to monitor the emergence of any new clubs that pose a risk to the safety of Queensland.

“The declaration of the Mongrel Mob as an identified organisation is about addressing and preventing violent, criminal and anti-social behaviour of gangs.

“The implication for Mongrel Mob is now they cannot wear their colours or logos in public.

“The Queensland Police Service is committed to pursuing illegal activity of members of organised crime groups and gang members right across the state.

“The introduction of the Serious and Organised Crime legislation, including the prohibited items and habitual consorting offence, has disrupted individuals and gangs from meeting and expanding,” Detective Superintendent Lowe said.

The declaration under the Liquor Regulation 2002 activates the Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Act 2016 laws which include a consorting offence, Public Safety Orders, a serious organised crime circumstance of aggravation, Organised Crime Control Orders, the banning of the visible carrying or wearing of outlaw motor cycle gang ‘colours’ in all public places, offences and increased penalties for child sexual exploitation offending, sophisticated financial crimes and drug trafficking and enhancements to police powers.

A list of declared organisations’ logos can be found at http://business.qld.gov.au/liquor-gaming

 

Attorney-General Media: 0417 675 917