21 November 2007

New Zealand Out Of Touch On Gang Legislation

New Zealand First Law and Order spokesperson Ron mark has today warned that if the Government fails to follow South Australia’s lead and outlaw criminal gangs, we may see them move to New Zealand where it is easier to operate a criminal gang.

Mr Mark’s comments follow the introduction today of legislation in the South Australian parliament which seeks to outlaw gangs and which will enable police to dismantle gang headquarters, confiscate their assets, prevent them communicating with one another, and force them to reveal the source of any unexplained wealth.

“The success of the South Australian Police’s Operation Avatar has already seen senior criminal gang leaders moving interstate where they continue to be key organised crime identities. Once the Australians roll out their anti-gang strategies on a national basis, New Zealand may find itself on the receiving end of some most undesirable immigrants from Australia.

“The New Zealand government’s long-awaited proposals to get tough on gangs with changes to the Crimes Act and Sentencing Act have been labelled as ’ineffective tinkering’ by the Police Association.

“New Zealand First believes it is high time that dedicated legislation is introduced to address the gang problem, in the same way that many other jurisdictions are doing.

“Our consistent calls to outlaw criminal gangs have been berated and branded unworkable by many on this side of the ditch, but the South Australian Government is proving that it has the political will to grasp the nettle.

“That is why New Zealand First will be looking to introduce our own anti-gang legislation, as a Member’s Bill,” concluded Mr Mark.

ENDS

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