Alleged bikie charged under tough new Palaszczuk Government laws

An alleged Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) member has today been the first person to be charged for wearing prohibited items in public under the Palaszczuk Government’s tough new Serious and Organised Crime laws.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said under the former LNP Government’s VLAD laws, the 44-year-old Hamilton man could not have been charged with wearing OMCG ‘colours’ or paraphernalia.

“Our Serious and Organised Crime legislation gives police more powers, not less,” he said.

“Unlike the VLAD laws, these new laws mean no bikie colours in public, anywhere in Queensland.

“These laws have the support of the police and have been described as being the strongest laws in Australia to tackle organised crime.”

Detectives from Taskforce Maxima charged the man at 12.30pm today after intercepting a four wheel drive carrying three men on Kent Street, Hamilton.

The police officers, who were conducting targeted patrols, observed one of the men wearing two large gold rings – a diamond one per cent ring and another with a Mongol Nation motif.

Both were seized.

Mongols OMCG colours and other OMCG paraphernalia were also located inside luggage.

This is the first time a person has been charged under the new section of the Summary Offences Act 2005, 10 C.  

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. My message to outlaw motorcycle gangs, or any crime group, is: if you commit a crime, the police will catch you and you will suffer the full force of the law,” Minister Ryan said.

“The Palaszczuk Government does not tolerate organised crime in Queensland and we will work across all agencies to ensure the safety of our communities.

“Under these tough laws, the Criminal Code also incorporates offences to target criminals that administer websites which distribute child exploitation material and those that are involved in financial fraudster groups and drug trafficking.

“These laws incorporate the expertise of an independent taskforce, including police, lawyers and have been through a comprehensive consultation process, in sharp contrast to the rushed and ill-considered LNP laws.

“Furthermore, a senior police officer will also be able to apply to a Magistrates Court to declare a premises a restricted premises if particular unlawful or disorderly conduct is occurring there, or is likely to occur again.

“This does not only outlaw motorcycle gang clubhouses – but other premises where prohibited conduct is taking place. Police will be able to search the premises without a warrant for prohibited items at any time.

“These restricted premises measures will come into effect in three months.”

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the new laws would be used by frontline police to target organised crime, including outlaw motorcycle gangs.

“This new legislation will enable police to continue to disrupt, dismantle and prevent the expansion of organised crime in Queensland,” Commissioner Ian Stewart said

“The extension of existing laws will give police the ability to act not only against outlaw motorcycle gangs but also in respect to serious organised crimes such child pornography and cold call investment fraud offences.

“The Queensland community can be assured police will use the new comprehensive suite of laws to their full extent and target those serious organised crime groups to stop and prevent their operation.”

ENDS

Media contact:

Minister Ryan's office: 0400 622 433