Australian National Review – Victoria to ban bicycles, criminal syndicates on construction sites

Legislation has been introduced into the Victorian State Parliament to prevent bikies and members of organised crime gangs from gathering at workplaces in the State of Victoria.

The bill to amend the control of criminal organizations prohibits members of criminal organizations from entering government workplaces.

The bill would also take a tougher stance against the public wearing of club insignia, including badges, patches, emblems, clothing, jewelry or other signs.

Attorney General Jaclyn Symes said police would monitor the situation once the laws came into effect.

“Many members of criminal motorcycle gangs make no secret of the fact that they are members of such an organisation,” Symes told reporters.

“In addition to the obvious examples of membership, the police have detailed information about who these people are.

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“Police can charge people with being members of a proscribed criminal organisation if they enter a workplace in Victoria.”

Other parts of the bill would ban gatherings of organized crime members, who could face up to three years in prison.

People involved in organised crime may also be denied access to firearms and specific amounts of cash, and may be banned from entering the country.

According to Symes, the new rules fill gaps in existing legislation.

“We have significantly narrowed the exceptions so that they can no longer be used as loopholes to bring people together, fraternize and discuss criminal activities,” she said.

Victoria Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the legislation would give police more powers.

“We have seen what works in other states, but now we can go a step further and give Victoria Police the most modern powers in the country to tackle organised crime,” he said.

State Opposition Leader John Pesutto expressed concern about the laws, saying they did not address core issues.

He cited official parliamentary reports showing that minimal use was made of warnings or official warnings.

But Carbines said the laws would be introduced if necessary.

“Organised crime groups and motorcycle gangs be warned: we will not tolerate intimidation and neither will Victoria Police, who will not hesitate to use these new laws to keep Victorians safe,” he said.

The government says the laws will eradicate the influence of organised criminal gangs on construction sites.

“This will complement the work the federal government is doing to root out the rotten culture that has been exposed in the construction industry,” Symes said.