Released 01/08/2019 - Joint media release
The ACT Government will not back down in its effort to fight organised criminal gangs operating in Canberra.
Today the ACT Legislative Assembly passed the Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2019.
The passage of this legislation strengthens the ACT's organised crime fighting abilities and follows the seizure of a criminal asset in Belconnen earlier this week.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay reiterated the success of the Government's targeted agenda by emphasising the importance of evidence-based policy measures to combat organised crime.
"The Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill is another example of the ACT Government's methodical, measured and evidence-based approach to targeting, disrupting and prosecuting, criminal gang members," Minister Ramsay said.
"Firearms laws have been strengthened by simplifying prosecutions for unauthorised possession and use of firearms and the changes ensure that prosecutions are not delayed because of a technical argument.
"We have also introduced mechanisms to support the operation of the National Unexplained Wealth Scheme that enables all participating jurisdictions to work together to effectively deprive criminals of their wealth, irrespective of the jurisdictions in which they operate."
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said that the Bill ensures that ACT Policing has the appropriate laws in place to bring criminal gang members to justice.
"We are supporting ACT Policing to keep the ACT community safe and deter criminal gangs from operating here," Mr Gentleman said.
"These changes to the Firearms Act will complement ACT Policing's important work to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals.
"In 2018, 412 firearms were seized in the ACT, with 50 arrests made for firearms related offences, resulting in 134 charges being laid. As of 1 July 2019, 247 firearms have been seized in 2019 in the ACT.
"Our changes to existing legislation will continue to keep Canberrans safe and ensure that criminal gang members face the full force of the law."
The Bill also makes other important amendments to ensure the rights of vulnerable people in the criminal justice system receive appropriate protection and that the system operates fairly and efficiently.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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