The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) supports Shadow Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Community Safety, Mrs Deborah Morris MLA, in calling for answers about outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) benefiting from ACT Government-funded infrastructure projects, as reported in a recent Sydney Morning Herald1 article.
The AFPA is deeply concerned by reports that OMCG’s exploit gaps in the ACT’s laws to operate freely in Canberra.
Despite repeated warnings, the ACT Government has failed to strengthen OMCG-focused laws. This lack of action has allowed organised criminal networks to infiltrate public projects, putting community safety and the integrity of public spending at risk. Canberrans have every right to know if taxpayer funds are flowing to criminal gangs.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said it is unacceptable for OMCG’s to profit from ACT Government contracts.
“The Government’s weak stance on anti-consorting laws and other organised crime laws has left ACT Policing powerless to disrupt these criminal networks and created a haven where organised crime can gather.
“To deal with this growing problem, the AFPA calls for a two-part response.
“Firstly, the Government must implement Firearm Prohibition Orders in alignment with New South Wales legislation to stop organised crime members and associates from obtaining or possessing firearms and firearm parts, which would reduce the risk of gun-related violence in the community.
“Secondly, to limit the visibility and influence of these groups and make it clear that criminal gangs are not welcome in Canberra, there should be a ban on mass public display of OMCG colours and insignia,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA urges the ACT Government to explain to the ACT community what steps are being taken to prevent organised crime involvement in public projects and commit to legislative reforms that prioritise community safety.
Media Contact: AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
1 https://www.smh.com.au/national/bikie-gang-uses-canberra-safe-haven-to-infiltrate-construction-industry-20250528-p5m2te.html
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) supports Shadow Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Community Safety, Mrs Deborah Morris MLA, in calling for answers about outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) benefiting from ACT Government-funded infrastructure projects, as reported in a recent Sydney Morning Herald1 article.
The AFPA is deeply concerned by reports that OMCG’s exploit gaps in the ACT’s laws to operate freely in Canberra.
Despite repeated warnings, the ACT Government has failed to strengthen OMCG-focused laws. This lack of action has allowed organised criminal networks to infiltrate public projects, putting community safety and the integrity of public spending at risk. Canberrans have every right to know if taxpayer funds are flowing to criminal gangs.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said it is unacceptable for OMCG’s to profit from ACT Government contracts.
“The Government’s weak stance on anti-consorting laws and other organised crime laws has left ACT Policing powerless to disrupt these criminal networks and created a haven where organised crime can gather.
“To deal with this growing problem, the AFPA calls for a two-part response.
“Firstly, the Government must implement Firearm Prohibition Orders in alignment with New South Wales legislation to stop organised crime members and associates from obtaining or possessing firearms and firearm parts, which would reduce the risk of gun-related violence in the community.
“Secondly, to limit the visibility and influence of these groups and make it clear that criminal gangs are not welcome in Canberra, there should be a ban on mass public display of OMCG colours and insignia,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA urges the ACT Government to explain to the ACT community what steps are being taken to prevent organised crime involvement in public projects and commit to legislative reforms that prioritise community safety.
Media Contact: AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
1 https://www.smh.com.au/national/bikie-gang-uses-canberra-safe-haven-to-infiltrate-construction-industry-20250528-p5m2te.html
