From the horses mouth In 2009 Jarrod Bleijie, the then opposition justice spokesman gave a speech to Qld Parliament in which he spoke critically of the Bligh Governments proposed Criminal Organisation Bill. On November 25, 2009, Bleijie in Parliament described the Criminal Organisation Bill tabled by Labor government as an attack on the right of freedom of association. While it is currently intended for motorcycle gangs, once again this bill does not mention the term bikie or motorcycle gang and this piece of legislation could be used against any group that may fall into disfavour regardless of the purpose of their gathering, Bleijie said. While I agree that people need to be protected from organised crime, there must also be the protection of personal liberties such as the freedom of association. In 2009, Bleijie was adamant that attempts to restrict the right to association were an attack on everyones freedom. I say to the people of Queensland that, with this government, they do have something to fear, he said in 2009. This Bill encroaches on their personal freedoms and liberties. A government that tries to remove these freedoms and liberties is a government that is to be feared.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Jan 2014 22:48:24 +0000