Page 2320 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 5 August 2015
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MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mr Hanson!
MR CORBELL: So I reject absolutely any assertion that the government has failed to act in this regard, because the evidence is entirely to the contrary. At all times this government has relied upon and had close regard to the advice from the AFP, the Australian Crime Commission and others, and the advice from the AFP and the Australian Crime Commission has been unchanged in relation to displacement until about nine to 12 months ago.
At that point, I announced that the government has developed and is developing options in relation to these matters. I am on the public record as indicating that the development of consorting laws is under consideration. It is a complex matter; it is a difficult policy matter to work through. But we are doing that work to make sure that any such laws, should they be introduced, are just, are proportionate and are consistent with the harm we are seeking to address.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Attorney-General, how many bikie-associated crimes will have to be committed in the ACT before you take action?
MR CORBELL: I reject the presumption in Mr Hanson’s question, and I refer him to my previous answer.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Attorney, how many gang meetings have occurred in the ACT as a result of your failure to legislate in line with New South Wales?
MR CORBELL: Again, I reject the assumption and presumption in Mr Wall’s supplementary question and I refer him to my previous answer.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Attorney, were you wrong in ignoring the AFPA advice from 2009 that a failure to legislate in line with New South Wales would lead to the ACT becoming an oasis for bikie gang activity?
MR CORBELL: Madam Speaker, they seem to be a bit deaf on that side of the chamber, because I did not ignore that advice. I stated that quite clearly in my previous answers. Let us be very clear about this: the advice from the AFP and the ACC remained unchanged until around 12 months ago. That was very clear. Are they saying, Madam Speaker, that the current Chief Police Officer and the previous Chief Police Officer gave incorrect advice—
Mr Hanson: A point of order, Madam Speaker.
MR CORBELL: to committees of this place when they themselves stated—
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