Street gangs in South Australia will be targeted under new laws set to be introduced to Parliament, with measures designed to bring them under the same scrutiny as Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.
The Government says the legislation will give police stronger powers to disrupt criminal activity and prevent gangs from using violence to intimidate communities. The reforms are based on laws already in place for bikie gangs, but tailored to the more fluid structure of street gangs, which often include younger members.
The Bill will insert a clear definition of a street gang and enable the Commissioner of Police to apply to the Supreme Court for a declaration that a group is a “declared street gang”. It will also allow the Commissioner to apply to the Supreme Court, or the Youth Court in cases involving minors, for a street gang control order against individuals. Courts will have the power to impose conditions on anyone subject to such an order.
A new offence will be created for adults who recruit another person into a street gang. The current law already criminalises the recruitment of children into criminal activity, but the change expands the scope to ensure anyone grooming young people into gangs can be prosecuted. Another offence will make it illegal for street gang members to attend declared places or events.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the measures were aimed at ensuring South Australia Police had the tools to act. “This Government is focused on ensuring police have the powers they need to keep the South Australian community safe,” he said.
He added that the new framework had been designed in consultation with SAPOL. “These proposed new laws have been developed in close consultation with SAPOL and are designed to give them appropriate tools to tackle these criminal groups.”
According to police information, street gangs are involved in offences similar to those committed by other serious organised crime groups, but with looser hierarchies and younger members. Maher said this posed particular risks. “This Bill will provide police with another approach to adequately address the risk posed to the community by the criminal activities of street gangs.”
He also warned against attempts by adults to manipulate children into crime. “No gang member should think they can keep their hands from getting dirty by grooming a child to do their bidding for them. We are slamming the door shut before the next child is dragged down the wrong path.”
The legislation will be introduced to Parliament tomorrow.
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