New crime statistics show tough anti-bikie laws in Queensland have cleaned up the streets and should stay despite an opposition plan to repeal them, the state government says. <\/p>\n
Since the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment (VLAD) legislation was implemented over 12 months ago, 1706 criminal gang members have been arrested on 4710 charges, acting Police Minister John McVeigh says. <\/p>\n
\"The LNP (Liberal National Party) government is very satisfied with the progress of these laws, we're very satisfied with the implementation of the laws by the police, and we'll continue this strong stance against criminal gangs across Queensland,\" he told reporters in Brisbane on Tuesday. <\/p>\n
Although he accused the opposition of wanting to take Queensland back to \"the bad old days\" by repealing the VLAD laws, he declined to speculate about whether they would remain in place past a review date in 2016. <\/p>\n
\"That review date is roughly 18 months away, I certainly won't pre-empt what cabinet's consideration may be of a review that is due at that time,\" he said. <\/p>\n
\"We're obviously very committed to them right now.\" <\/p>\n
Mr McVeigh heralded the \"impressive progress\" shown in new crime statistics, including a 27 per cent dip in the number of robberies between July and November 2014, and a 35 per cent decline in extortion offences over the same period. <\/p>\n
More than 1400 calls to Crime Stoppers also resulted in the arrest of 131 people. <\/p>\n
An unsuccessful High Court challenge of the laws and comments from senior police officers showed they were supported by police and the community, Mr McVeigh said. <\/p>\n
Critics of the legislation say the VLAD Act draconian and encroaches upon the right to associate. <\/p>\n
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Stay out of politics, Qld cops told<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" New crime statistics show tough anti-bikie laws in Queensland have cleaned up the streets and should stay despite an opposition plan to repeal them, the state government says. Since the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment (VLAD) legislation was implemented over 12 months ago, 1706 criminal gang members have been arrested on 4710 charges, acting Police Minister John McVeigh says. Continue reading