LNP argues to 'keep foot on bikie throats'

The LNP has defended its controversial anti-bikie laws as Queensland's hung parliament debates new Labor laws that would largely override them.

Queensland's opposition has defended the effectiveness of its controversial anti-bikie laws as the state's hung parliament debates Labor's proposed alternative framework.

The Palaszczuk government argued its serious and organised crime bill is more "constitutionally robust" and workable than the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment (VLAD) laws.

The Liberal National Party's VLAD laws were introduced after an ugly public brawl by bikies in the restaurant precinct of Broadbeach in 2013 - an incident shadow attorney-general Ian Walker revisited during his contribution to the debate on Thursday.

"People were scared for their safety and it was time to take action," he said.

Mr Walker claimed Labor's previous attempt to legislate against gangs in 2009 was a failure under which the Broadbeach incident unfolded.

"They talk tough, but they can't deliver," he said.

"They don't get it right."

The Labor bill would replace the LNP's anti-association provision - which banned bikies from gathering in a group of three or more - with a NSW-style consorting offence.

The planned changes ban anyone from consorting on two occasions with two others who have convictions for serious indictable offences.

But Mr Walker cited a NSW ombudsman's report that made it clear the consorting approach was "a very blunt weapon".

"There is no doubt our provisions had an element of shock and awe about them, but they were effective and they worked," he said.

Mr Walker said police had this week busted a drug and fraud racket with links to the Hells Angels.

"There is a broad concern and a broad need to keep our foot on the throat of these organisations and not to weaken our approach," Mr Walker said.

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath presented Labor's bill as an "operationally strong and legally robust" alternative.

She said recreational bikers became collateral damage in the LNP's framework.

"Our changes are aimed squarely at those proscribed items of organised criminals," Ms D'Ath said.

She argued the NSW consorting offence had withstood a High Court challenge.

"(These are) good laws, laws that should have been in place many years ago, but for those who sought to make this more about the politics than good laws," Ms D'Ath said.

The proposed changes would also increase penalties for child exploitation and fraud offences.

Without the opposition's support, Labor will need the votes of a majority of crossbenchers to get its legislation over the line.

Two - Cairns MP Rob Pyne and Speaker Peter Wellington - have previously raised concerns about freedom of association and civil liberties.


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Source: AAP



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