[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Coroner's call raises bikie bill alarm bell

[Parnell]

Media Release
Wednesday 9th April, 2008

Coroner's call raises bikie bill alarm bell


Just as the State Coroner has called for better scrutiny over police in
the wake of the poor handling of the Christopher Wilson shooting, the
Rann Government is forging ahead with new legislation that will place
SAPOL decisions beyond court challenge, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell. 

The Serious and Organised Crime (Control) Bill, commonly known as the
'Bikie Bill', being debated in the State's Upper House, will radically
depart from established legal principles by enabling Police to use
untested, secret evidence to 'declare' any organisation in the State and
target its membership.

"The timing couldn't be more ironic.  Just as the Coroner raises serious
concerns about the conduct of Police, the Rann Government is pushing
through highly controversial legislation that will place the Police
beyond normal review by the Courts," Mr Parnell said.

"We are in uncharted waters with this Bill - the new powers and
discretion given to both the Police and the Attorney General are
breathtaking.  If Police powers increase, it is only appropriate that
oversight powers, particularly by the Courts, should also increase to
ensure the powers aren't abused.  Instead, the Government has put in
special clauses to ensure normal judicial review can't occur," he said.

Greens MLC Mark Parnell has also raised concerns about the potential for
Police volunteers to be used to gather 'secret evidence', as Police
actively recruit for unpaid volunteers to undertake covert surveillance
of crime 'trouble-spots'.  

"It will be like Dad's Army vs the Bikies," said Mr Parnell. 

"At exactly the same time the Government is asking the Parliament to
approve the use of secret evidence, SAPOL is actively recruiting for
volunteers to work as unpaid 'intelligence' gatherers.  The Government
will place these minimally trained volunteers front and centre in the
fight against organised crime, and then stop the courts from any
reasonable review of what they discover and pass on," he said.
 

	
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893

	
 


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