A spokesperson from the United Motorcyle Club of NSW speaking against the 'bikie' laws at the National Press Club, Canberra.
The Crimes (Criminal Organisation) Control Act (NSW) became law in April 2009. It is widely reported as the "anti-bikie" laws. The fears for many protest groups is that there is no prohibition in the legislation on it being used against a political party or a peaceful protest group such as Greenpeace. The argument that groups such as Greenpeace may seem far-fetched, but it is sobering to remember that many Greenpeace members were assessed by NSW police as being a serious threat to security under specially passed legislation during 2007.
Further reading
Press Club attack on anti-bikie laws ABC News video 6 August 2009.
Anti-bikie laws not the answer by Sarah Sharples The Lawyer 26 May 2009.
Bikie laws sideline the rule of law by Richard Ackland The Sydney Morning Herald 22 May 2009.
Crimes against legality: The rule of law is under threat by Mark Le Grand The Australian 25-26 April 2009.
Anti-bikie laws legislation "obnoxious" [says Brisbane lawyer, Mark Le Grand] by Tony Koch The Australian 1 April 2009.
Two sides agree: new laws will backfire by Andrew Clennell Sydney Morning Herald 31 March 2009.
Anti-bikie laws get even tougher by Michael Pelly and Michael Owen The Australian 30 March 2009.
Members face jail under new laws by Andrew Clennell The Sydney Morning Herald 25 March 2009.
NSW to act against bikie gang violence by Dylan Welch and Geesche Jacobsen Sydney Morning Herald 18 February 2009.