NEW POLICE POWERS TO FIGHT ORGANISED CRIME

The latest reforms to serious and organised crime legislation have been introduced into the Legislative Assembly today by Attorney General, Simon Corbell, further strengthening the ACT's ability to deal with problems posed by organised criminal groups.

"The Bill introduced today creates the offences of affray, participation in a criminal group and recruiting persons to participate in criminal activity," Mr Corbell said.

"The ACT Government remains committed to strengthening the legislative powers for law enforcement agencies in the Territory to combat threats posed to the community by organised criminal groups.

"It is very important, however, to ensure these legislative reforms are a proportionate response and not an over-reaction."

The creation of the offence of affray will capture those offences where there is use or threat of violence against a person which would cause a person to fear for their personal safety.

The legislation, when passed, will also create offences for those who knowingly participate or actively recruit people into groups that engage in criminal activities.

The Government tabled a detailed report to the Legislative Assembly last year foreshadowing several legislative amendments which are contained in this Bill.

"The Bill has also been informed by an examination of how other Australian jurisdictions are addressing serious organised crime, and whether such approaches would be appropriate in a human rights jurisdiction such as the Territory," Mr Corbell said.

"On Tuesday, I tabled in the Legislative Assembly a report from the ACT Human Rights Commissioner, who has supported the ACT Government's sensible and proportionate approach to the issue of organised crime in the Territory.

"This advice vindicates the ACT Government position and proves that the approach put forward by the Liberal Opposition, who demanded a knee-jerk reaction, was fundamentally flawed."

The Bill also extends the concepts of criminal responsibility to re-introduce the concept of joint criminal enterprise and knowingly concerned.

Media Contact:

Patrick Cronan
6205 0401
0432 758 224
patrick.cronan@act.gov.au