Page 2642 - Week 07 - Thursday, 2 August 2018

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on 6 July 2018. Minister, how many members of outlaw motorcycle gangs were involved in a violent brawl near the Tuggeranong bus interchange on this day?

MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Hanson for his question. Of course, whilst Canberra is a safe city, it does not mean we are immune from crime, and we see these actions of serious criminal gangs operating outside the law. In regard to the exact number, I will have to take that detail on notice.

I assure the Canberra community that this government is taking the issue very seriously. Over the past few years we have provided additional funding and resources to ACT Policing to specifically target criminal gangs. We have also acted to strengthen the law and provide police with additional powers. We will continue to work with the Chief Police Officer and other officials across government to help stop these gangs.

We must remember that there is no quick or easy solution to this sort of violence. I have heard the opposition suggest that there is a simple solution: just bring on one law and it will deal with the problem.

Opposition members interjecting

MADAM SPEAKER: Members! Mr Hanson and Mr Wall, let the minister answer.

MR GENTLEMAN: The challenge of dealing with these gangs is not that simple. As I have said, we are working to deal with the challenge. Taskforce Nemesis to date has charged 264 people, laid a total of 748 charges, and executed 201 search warrants. In addition, ACT Policing have seized assets and cash as part of their efforts to tackle these serious criminal gangs. Even with these laws in other jurisdictions—the laws that Mr Hanson promotes—issues with serious criminal gangs persist.

We will continue working with all our officials to tackle this problem. Any legal change, of course, would need to be effective and comply with human rights laws, as I have mentioned before. We have invested seriously in Task Force Nemesis over recent years. (Time expired.)

Mr Hanson interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: Beside the interjection, Mr Hanson, do you have a supplementary?

Mr Barr interjecting—

MR HANSON: I do, Madam Speaker. It’s a good one too. If Mr Barr would stop interjecting, I would be able to ask it.

Mr Barr interjecting—

MADAM SPEAKER: Everyone hush.


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