NSW: New bikie laws undermine Australians' basic rights: Greens
03 Apr 2009 6:20 AM
The New South Wales Greens say tough new bikie laws undermine basic rights in Australia and increase the possibility of police corruption.
Legislation curtailing gang members from associating with eachother passed the Upper House just before midnight (AEDT) last night .. without the support of the Greens.
Under the new laws .. gang members can be charged without warning and face at least two years in jail.
Greens MP and justice spokeswoman LEE RHIANNON says crucial amendments the Greens proposed to protect the public .. while safeguarding civil rights .. were shot down by both Labor and opposition members.
Ms RHIANNON says in a statement the anti-gang legislation undermines the current rules of evidence .. weakens the right of freedom of association .. and increases the possibility for police corruption.
One of the amendments the Greens proposed was a two-year sunset clause to the laws and a proposal for the Ombudsman to review the legislation at the end of that period.
The laws follow the death of ANTHONY ZERVAS .. brother of Hells Angel PETER ZERVAS .. who died after a violent brawl at Sydney airport last month.
The brawl was allegedly between bikie gangs Hells Angels and Comancheros.
AAP RTV vpm/psm/
