Page 1546 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 31 March 2009

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(1) notes:

(a) current community concerns regarding the activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) and apparent gang related violence in some Australian cities;

(b) the relatively low level of OMCG membership and associated criminal activity in the ACT; and

(2) resolves that the Government provide advice to the Assembly on:

(a) the nature and operation of existing Territory laws used to combat organised crime groups and any proposed review of such laws;

(b) issues arising from the South Australian Serious and Organised Crime (Control) Act 2008 including any available early evidence as to its operation and efficacy in reducing organised criminal activity;

(d) any other legislative developments internationally that could be of relevance to combating organised crime groups in the Territory and any available evidence as to the efficacy and operation of such legislation; and

(e) the human rights issues raised by legislation that provides for mechanisms similar to those contained in the South Australian legislation that allow for the banning of certain organisations in circumstances where a sufficient nexus can be established between the organisation and criminal activity; and

(3) resolves that this advice be provided to the Assembly by the last sitting day in June 2009.

Organised crime affects every Australian citizen. The financial cost of organised crime is estimated to be $10 billion as of 2008. The human cost is often far more profound. Murder, assault, sexual servitude, extortion, gun dealing and drug dealing are the means by which organised crime makes its money and exerts its power.

The Australian Crime Commission has observed that criminal syndicates are formidable in terms of their capabilities, resources and resilience. By definition, they work outside of the law and they employ any unjust and inhumane means to get what they want. There is no doubt that a number of outlaw motorcycle clubs have been identified by police across the country as engaged in organised crime.

Police have noted that what sets these clubs apart from other criminal syndicates is the fact that they are hierarchical, disciplined and employ a lengthy process to test the loyalty and suitability of new members. Unlike other criminal syndicates that come

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