Cracking Down on Organised Crime: Victoria Introduces Tough New Laws to Combat Gang Activity and Thuggery
According to the government, the Criminal Organisations Control Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced into Parliament on August 28. This bill includes new and improved laws that will strengthen the state’s unlawful association scheme, introduce a new serious crime prevention order, and prohibit the public display of gang colours.
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One of the key changes is the banning of members of specified organised crime groups from entering state government worksites. This is aimed at ensuring that these sites are free from the influence of outlaw gangs and criminal groups. The government hopes that this will complement the efforts of the federal government in tackling the “rotten culture” that has been exposed in the construction industry.
The strengthened unlawful association scheme will also give Victoria Police more power to prevent criminals from associating with each other and to discourage others from joining criminal networks. The threshold for issuing unlawful association notices will be lowered, making it easier for police to issue them in a wider range of circumstances. Violating an order could result in up to three years in prison.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission will also have new responsibilities to monitor, oversee, and report on the operation of the scheme.
In addition, a new Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) scheme will be put in place. This will allow the chief commissioner of police to apply to a court for a range of restrictions to be placed on individuals who have participated in serious criminal activity or are likely to assist others engaging in such behaviour. These restrictions may include prohibiting the person from leaving the state, possessing firearms, or carrying certain amounts of cash.
One of the measures included in the bill is a ban on the public display of gang insignia, such as patches, logos, or other symbols. These are often used by outlaw motorcycle gang members to represent their membership, intimidate others, and recruit new members. The bill will make it illegal to wear these insignia on clothing or jewelry or to display them on signs, flags, or vehicles.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes emphasized that organised crime and thuggish behaviour have no place in Victoria. The government hopes that these new laws will help to make the state a safer place for all its citizens.
