Released 20/02/2018
CT Policing will have increased powers to better target bikies and other criminal gangs under new laws passed in the Legislative Assembly today.
The Crimes (Fortification Removal) Amendment Act 2018 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.
Fortifications are structures or devices that are attached to homes or businesses to stop or hinder uninvited entry, including by police.
“They 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,” Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said.
“Fortifications may also impact the safety of police officers who attend fortified premises to carry out lawful searches.”
Minister Ramsay said the Government is committed to ensuring the safety of our community and targeting organised criminal gangs that pose a threat to public safety.
“The Government continues to take a strong stance to implement measures to tackle bikies and other criminal gangs and ensure the safety of our community.
“Serious and organised crime is not acceptable and reforms today build on strong measures already put in place to target these gangs that pose a threat to public safety,” Minister Ramsay said.
The new laws 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.
“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,” Minister Ramsay said. “Canberrans can be assured they can continue to install reasonable security measures at their home or workplace.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman welcomed the new laws and says Canberra remains a very safe city in which to live.
“The ACT Government continues to work with ACT Policing to ensure our police have the necessary tools to effectively deal with serious and organised crime entities and, wherever possible, to confiscate their criminal assets and put offenders before the courts,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The message to bikies is clear – your presence is not welcome here.”
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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