Australia - THEY did it. When they needed to show their determination to fight this anti-bikie Bill, the bikies were nowhere to be found.
Of course, it's Schoolies Festival.
The legislation allows the police commissioner to apply to the Supreme Court to have certain types of organisations deemed criminal.
Members of the organisation can then have their movements restricted with control orders.
To be honest, I'm not sure we needed new laws, I'm a big fan of enforcing the laws we have but if this works, more power to you, I say. Hope they survive the Supreme Court challenge.
Curiously, the Opposition did not support the Bill.
Deputy Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg says there is no evidence the measures will work, so better not to try. Have your say on the feedback form below
There was fiery debate in Parliament -- my favourite part was played by our very own Gaven MP Alex Douglas, who took to his feet like a whiney little brat to complain that he was once wrongfully linked to the Bandidos because his son 'innocently' went to a formal party at the Bandidos clubhouse.
Nothing innocent about it.
It was a bikie clubhouse -- not the HQ of the Salvos, or the CWA, but the bloody Bandidos.
A worldwide criminal organisation -- have you read about the massive Bandido murder trial in Canada? The international bikie war against the Hells Angels? The numerous charges brought against them in Australia?
Here's a tip Alex -- shut up!
Your son made a mistake in attending the party and you made a mistake in letting him.
Bad judgment, my man, unless you subscribe to the opinion of Bill Potts, the solicitor representing the Finks who ludicrously claimed the Finks were like Rotary 'but with tattoos'.
I hope Rotary sues for defamation.
Even Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek met with the the United Motorcycle Council and appeared to be won over by their charm. Silly JPL!
The UMC has played a good fight, I'll give it that. Its national spokesman, Ferret the Fink, has addressed the National Press Club and been the mouthpiece.
"I'm not trying to say all bikers are saints, just like not all politicians or police are squeaky clean," Ferret told Press Club attendees.
"But I would say that there is more organised criminal activity every day in Australia's governments and police services than you would find at your local biker clubhouse."
He said that with a straight face.
"Contrary to what you may hear from government press releases," Ferret said at the time, "being a Fink doesn't mean that I must be involved in drug trafficking, violence, intimidation or any other form of crime, organising it, participating in it or condoning it, but that's me ... there may be people amongst our members who have been in trouble."
Well, well, well.
I asked former Bandido insider Steve Utah about Ferret the Fink and he laughed out loud.
It turns out that the man in question has an extensive 15-year criminal history and is listed as having 17 aliases, including Ferret the Fink.
I always liked alliteration.
FF has two pages of criminal history and been found guilty of charges including ... oh let me see ... everything from speeding to assault, assault of a woman, resisting arrest, maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm, malicious damage, affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
What else is there ... oh, there's stating a false name, refusing breath analysis and even a disqualified driving. Naughty FF.
To be fair, he's also been found not guilty of demanding property in company with intent to steal, malicious injury, more assault charges and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.
And this is their spokesman? Their cleanskin?
But didn't FF say being a Fink doesn't mean you're 'involved in drug trafficking, violence, intimidation or any other form of crime, organising it, participating in it or condoning it'?
So FF just happens to be a Fink charged with violence?
At least his record is clear of any drug charges, well done!
The point is, don't be fooled.
They're playing nice because the spotlight is on them, but it won't last. There are rumours that some clubs are taking advantage of the ceasefire and using the time to expand their horizons.
It's Christmas, I'm sure there'll be another toy run and another publicity shot but don't forget who they are.
And if you're friends with bikies and worried about the new law then I guess you have a choice to make -- I bet Alex Douglas would choose differently now. The bikie is in your court -- it's up to you.
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