The State Government will introduce laws aimed at bolstering its response to serious and organised crime. The move comes in the wake of a High Court ruling invalidating regulations made by the former Liberal Government under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act.

Under the Act, the Government has the power to declare locations as prescribed places, making it illegal for participants in criminal organisations to enter or attempt to enter the location.

In response to the recent High Court ruling, the Government will introduce a Bill that includes a list of prescribed places – meaning that, if passed by the Parliament, each location will be declared as a prescribed place.

The list includes the Cowirra-based property known as Ponde, which was the subject of the recent appeal to the High Court.

The parliamentary process to consider amendments to the Act is distinct from the process of making new Regulations.

Quotes

Attributable to Kyam Maher

Outlaw motorcycle gangs are a scourge on our community, and declaring a location a ‘prescribed place’ is an important part of our arsenal in disrupting their activities.

Within hours of the High Court handing down its decision, I considered how best the Government could respond in a manner that is legal, practical and swift.

This is a pragmatic response to the situation and, if passed by Parliament, will once and for all put this question beyond dispute.