Released 30/11/2017
Joint media release: Gordon Ramsay MLA and Mick Gentleman MLA
Legislation introduced in the Assembly today will increase the powers of Police to better target organised criminal gangs.
The Crimes (Fortification Removal) Amendment Bill 2017 will improve the suite of laws already available to police to tackle serious and organised crime by allowing Police to apply to actively remove obstructions to criminal gang premises, such as fortified doors and gates.
The Government is committed to ensuring the safety of our community and targeting organised criminal gangs that pose a threat to public safety.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the proposed legislation is part of a suite measures the ACT Government will be implementing against criminal gangs.
“Serious and organised crime is not acceptable in our community. The Government continues to take a strong stance to implement measures to tackle this issue head on.
“The legislation introduced today will build on the range of strong measures already put in place by the government to combat criminal gang related crime in the ACT,” Minister Ramsay said.
The Bill will allow the Chief Police Officer to apply to the Magistrates Court for an order directing a person to remove a fortification constructed on their premises. The Court can grant the order if it is satisfied that the property is connected to a serious criminal offence.
However, Minister Ramsay says the legislation includes safeguards to ensure police may only enter under specific circumstances, and to ensure Courts consider what a property owner’s view is before making an order.
“These safeguards will ensure Canberrans can continue to install reasonable security measures at their home or workplace,” Minister Ramsay concluded.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman welcomed the introduction of the legislation saying fortifications may stop police from carrying out warrants on certain properties.
“Fortifications can stop police from effectively executing search warrants as they delay police entry, providing the occupier of a property with time to vacate the property or destroy evidence of a crime.
“The introduction of this legislation today follows the passing of strengthened laws around drive-by shootings. The message to these criminal gangs is clear. Your presence is not welcome here,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases