The legal system across the nation is often affected either in a minor way or in a giant sweeping wave, by the decisions that are made in one single state or territory. Sometimes the good intentions of some become the political game pieces of others and unfortunately, human rights can be a casualty.
No matter what we think of bikers or the decisions made by the Queensland Government in recent times, those who practice criminal law in South Australia are having to brace themselves for the potential ripple effect over the following months and years.
Matthew Doran of the ABC had this to say:
An Adelaide researcher says Queensland’s new anti-bikie laws are draconian and should not be seen as a format for South Australia or others around the nation to copy.
Dr Gabrielle Appleby of the University of Adelaide says they Queensland Government has rushed legislation through Parliament without adequate scrutiny.
Dr Appleby said fundamental liberties might be infringed.
“We’re talking about freedom from arbitrary detention, the right to a fair trial, the right to free speech and association,” she said.
The laws will mean bikie gang members face a minimum of 15 years in a maximum-security jail on top of their initial sentence, unless they co-operate with police.
Read more here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-24/sa-warned-against-qld-anti-bikies-legal-model/5043450
I worry when crazy laws get passed anywhere in the country because it not only tells the world that we are a back water, it also usually means that the rest of the country will follow suit if the stupidity is not nipped in the bud quick smart.
This law was a gross over reaction and a mishandling of power in the extreme. It’s shameful.
Agreed, but the issue for those of us that cannot write the laws is to know how to navigate the issues when they arise and to protect those who are the most vulnerable. We will keep South Australians up to date on any progress here as news comes to hand.
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