New bikie laws wa ban outlaw motorcycle gang members, names 46 bikie
Bikers in Western Australia have been advised to conceal insignia with'makeup' following the introduction of new rules.
Western Australia is going to prohibit members of illicit motorcycle gangs from wearing their patches or interacting in public.
Next week, the state legislature will consider the Criminal Law (Unlawful Consorting and Prohibited Insignia) Bill 2021.
It lists 46 motorcycle gangs from across the country.
Attorney-General John Quigley stated that the regulations "show the McGowan Government's unshakable commitment to putting an end to the growth of major organized crime and criminal organisations in Western Australia for good."
Once implemented, the legislation will endow state police personnel with unparalleled authority to disrupt and curtail severe and organized crime.
Police personnel will be permitted to disperse gang members who congregate in public places.
Mr Quigley stated that all club symbols, including tattoos, must be concealed in public.
"If they are on areas of their body that their clothing does not cover, they will have to find another means to conceal them," Mr Quigley explained.
"Either... foundation (or) makeup."
Bikie members who are discovered in public wearing gang colors face up to 12 months in prison and fines ranging from $12,000 to $60,000.
Police Minister Paul Papalia stated that the legislation aims to increase the state's safety.
"We are committed to making Western Australia a safe environment free of fear of bikies pursuing their own vendettas at the expense of law-abiding residents," Mr Papalia said.