Qld Law Society fears anti-bikie laws could apply to any club or association
Updated
The Queensland Law Society (QLS) says new anti-bikie legislation could be used against sporting associations, workplaces and even book clubs.
Laws passed early yesterday impose mandatory 15-year jail terms for certain offences if they are committed as part of a criminal organisation.
But QLS president Annette Bradfield says the legislation is so broad, it could apply to members of any type of club.
"Potentially, the new VLAD [Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Bill 2013] legislation could apply to any association, sporting group, book club, etc - it doesn't just apply to criminal motorcycle gangs," she said.
"It is up to you to prove that that association or club doesn't exist to commit offences.
"If you can't do that, and you are found guilty of certain offences such as wounding, then regardless of the sentence that is imposed by the court, a mandatory 15-year term of imprisonment will apply.
Topics: laws, judges-and-legal-profession, public-sector, clubs-and-associations, community-organisations, state-parliament, activism-and-lobbying, crime-prevention, crime, qld
First posted
