A CRIMINAL barrister says the Tasmania Police decision to air concerns over the purchase of local real estate by the Sydney-based national boss of the Rebels bikie gang is part of a push to get the State Government to introduce anti-association legislation.
Greg Barns yesterday took issue with police concerns over the purchase of several Tasmanian properties by Rebels Motorcycle Club national president Alessio Emmanuel "Alex" Vella, revealed in the Mercury.
Police drug squad boss John Arnold, who is Tasmania's representative on the Australian Federal Police's anti-Rebels taskforce Attero, said the Rebels played a key role in the distribution of methamphetamine in Tasmania.
Detective Inspector Arnold said the acquisition of Tasmanian properties by Mr Vella was concerning and he encouraged the public to make reports about Rebels' activities to the Crime Stoppers hotline.
Mr Barns, an Australian Lawyers Alliance spokesman who has acted for a number of bikies, said the comments by Inspector Arnold were worrying.
"The comments by John Arnold, a police officer involved, are extremely disturbing. He is effectively saying to the public that if you see people who you think are members of bikie gangs, ring Crime Stoppers," Mr Barns said.
"It reminds us of the days when ASIO used to tell us to dob in a communist. It's an outrageous statement on his part.
"John Arnold and Tasmania Police seem to be saying there is some criminal conduct involved in the purchase of the real estate."
Mr Barns said Inspector Arnold's comments about the Rebels were part of a Tasmania Police campaign to get "draconian" anti-association laws introduced in Tasmania.
The controversial laws introduced in other states allow organisations such as bikie gangs to be classed as illegal and make it an offence for members to associate with each other.
However, in a number of instances the laws have been overturned by the High Court after they were found to be in breach of the Constitution.
"The laws are draconian ... they can be used against environmental groups or against any group that the Government doesn't like," said Mr Barns, who is a Mercury columnist.
"There's no evidence to suggest that Tasmania has a problem with major crime, or no evidence to suggest that bikies are responsible for major crime.
"The comments of Inspector Arnold are outrageous and completely undermine the right to the presumption of innocence that all members of the community have, including bikies."
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