Bikies expected to challenge Qld laws

Queensland's parliament has passed legislation aimed at dismantling criminal bikie groups, but a lawyer says much of it contravenes human rights laws

Queensland attorney-general Jarrod Bleijie

Queensland's attorney-general (pic) is fighting with a top civil libertarian over anti-bikie laws. (AAP)

Queensland motorcycle gangs are expected to mount a High Court challenge against the state's tough new anti-bikie laws, while libertarians say the government's extreme actions are a "disgrace".

Parliament passed legislation on Wednesday aimed at dismantling criminal bikie groups, but a lawyer for the Finks gang says much of it contravenes human rights laws.

Lawyer Bill Potts said there's no immediate High Court challenge but believes it's only a matter of time until there is.

He said the government has declared without trial that bikie gangs including the Finks, Bandidos and Rebels are criminal organisations and that all their members are vicious lawless associates.

"There's no doubt it also contravenes human rights legislation," Mr Potts said.

Under the legislation, gang members convicted of serious offences face additional jail terms of 15 to 25 years without parole.

They are also banned from owning, operating or working in tattoo parlours, from gathering in groups in their colours and from promoting or recruiting for their organisation.

An amendment was made on Wednesday to fill a legal hole that could have allowed lawyers to face criminal charges for representing bikies in court.

Australian Council for Civil Liberties president Terry O'Gorman has called Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie "a joke" and "a disgrace" who "doesn't give a rat's" about the high office he holds.

He's accused Mr Bleijie of rushing through laws that threaten freedom of association, without consultation or scrutiny.

The Attorney-General hit back, accusing Mr O'Gorman of "bleating" about the new laws because he didn't get his way.

"He had his way for the last 20 years and that's in essence some of the issues we have now and we are trying to fix," Mr Bleijie said.

The laws will come into full effect by the end of the week.

More anti-bikie laws are likely to come before parliament by the end of the year.

A ban on bikies working in the tattoo industry could well be expanded to the security, gym and used-car industries.


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Source: AAP


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