Tasmanian unions are concerned the state government’s proposed legislation to outlaw the public display of bikie gang colours and symbols could prevent union members from flying the Eureka flag on construction sites.
But Tasmania Police has hosed down the suggestion, saying the banning of colours would only apply to prescribed criminal groups, such as the Rebels and the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Proposed new consorting laws would prohibit a person aged 18 or more with a criminal conviction for a serious offence from “habitually” consorting with another like individual.
The state government also intends to adopt laws making it an offence for someone to wear or display patches, insignia or logos of a prohibited bikie organisation.
In a submission through a public consultation process on the legislation, Unions Tasmania expressed concern that protesters may be prevented from flying the Eureka flag on construction sites.
Some bikie gangs use the Eureka flag as part of their own iconography.
“Such a power [prohibiting bikie colours] could potentially encompass not only the stated target groups, but any type of collective organisation at all, and it could be exercised without any form of non-political oversight,” the submission read.
Tasmania Police said unions would not be affected by the proposed legislation.
“Genuine recreational, lawful groups – including unions - will not be affected,” a spokesperson said.
https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/5419045/police-rubbish-union-worry-that-bikie-laws-could-ban-eureka-flag/
But Tasmania Police has hosed down the suggestion, saying the banning of colours would only apply to prescribed criminal groups, such as the Rebels and the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Proposed new consorting laws would prohibit a person aged 18 or more with a criminal conviction for a serious offence from “habitually” consorting with another like individual.
The state government also intends to adopt laws making it an offence for someone to wear or display patches, insignia or logos of a prohibited bikie organisation.
In a submission through a public consultation process on the legislation, Unions Tasmania expressed concern that protesters may be prevented from flying the Eureka flag on construction sites.
Some bikie gangs use the Eureka flag as part of their own iconography.
“Such a power [prohibiting bikie colours] could potentially encompass not only the stated target groups, but any type of collective organisation at all, and it could be exercised without any form of non-political oversight,” the submission read.
Tasmania Police said unions would not be affected by the proposed legislation.
“Genuine recreational, lawful groups – including unions - will not be affected,” a spokesperson said.
https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/5419045/police-rubbish-union-worry-that-bikie-laws-could-ban-eureka-flag/