ACT police chief backs anti-consorting laws as bikie gangs expand

The Australian Capital Territory’s chief police officer is backing anti-consorting laws to disrupt outlaw motorcycle gangs, saying their presence in Canberra has grown, ABC News reports. Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee said five outlaw motorcycle gangs currently operated in the territory, with about 45 members and approximately 20 associates. He said the increase was a concern for ACT Policing.

The gangs include the Bandidos, Hells Angels, Finks and Comancheros, alongside the Rebels. According to the report, several groups now have established chapters or bases in the ACT rather than treating Canberra only as a transit route. Lee attributed the attraction partly to Canberra’s growth and prosperous communities.

Associate Professor Mark Lauchs, who researches motorcycle gangs, said the groups were increasing in the territory because operating elsewhere had become harder. Lee said anti-consorting laws could disrupt public associations and organised gatherings, while stressing that they would not eliminate the gangs. Lauchs supported strong, targeted laws but said concerns about human rights were legitimate.

Previous Labor-led ACT governments resisted such measures because of possible conflict with the Human Rights Act. Police said the gangs were linked to drugs, firearms, weapons and extortion. An earlier police operation involved arrests of ACT gang members accused of trafficking 70 kilograms of cocaine, allegedly worth about A$10 million at street value.

The ACT government has also announced proposed powers to search for illegal firearms without a warrant and a ban on gang colours or patches. Both measures still require debate in the Legislative Assembly.