Anti-Gang Legislation
August 13th 2006 14:58
Gangs of New York, the Italian Mafia, the cocaine crews in South America. These are the stereotypical pictures we paint of organized crime networks. We never seem to associate Australia with this picture, do we?
Yet, everyday, gang-related violence is tearing through our nation. The hatred is growing, the people are dying. It is a harsh reality that we need to face.
NSW Premier, Morris Iemma recently announced a major crackdown on gangs and other criminal groups. New anti-gang legislation will soon be introduced to counteract the violence of gang members, rioters and bikies by giving police wider powers and toughening punishment for those who break the law.
Mr Iemma said that a “gang” will be defined as a group of 3 or more people with the objective to commit a serious offence.
The bottom line is, if you assault someone or are involved in theft, expect an even longer jail sentence should you also be part of a gang.
Gang members face 16 years in prison if they assault police and anyone found guilty of recruiting gang members can expect a prison terms of up to 7 years. Further, anyone who contributes to the criminal activity of a gang will face 5 years imprisonment.
The announcement came just days after the clash between two rival motorcycle groups. But it is also said that the laws are in response to last year’s Cronulla riots, something that managed to shame our nation on an international scale.
Yet, everyday, gang-related violence is tearing through our nation. The hatred is growing, the people are dying. It is a harsh reality that we need to face.
NSW Premier, Morris Iemma recently announced a major crackdown on gangs and other criminal groups. New anti-gang legislation will soon be introduced to counteract the violence of gang members, rioters and bikies by giving police wider powers and toughening punishment for those who break the law.
www.morguefile.com
Mr Iemma said that a “gang” will be defined as a group of 3 or more people with the objective to commit a serious offence.
The bottom line is, if you assault someone or are involved in theft, expect an even longer jail sentence should you also be part of a gang.
Gang members face 16 years in prison if they assault police and anyone found guilty of recruiting gang members can expect a prison terms of up to 7 years. Further, anyone who contributes to the criminal activity of a gang will face 5 years imprisonment.
The announcement came just days after the clash between two rival motorcycle groups. But it is also said that the laws are in response to last year’s Cronulla riots, something that managed to shame our nation on an international scale.
| 55 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
