Politics

[Ducatiboy stu]

Mmm...Tony's daughters being....um.......er...sultry

 

[Forever Wort]

Hooray for feudalism, monarchy, absolute rule and all who represent the good old days. Hooray.

 

[manticle]

huzzah.

love old shit.

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

I love auld beer

 

[Liam_snorkel]

The odds have Shortened.

 

[Forever Wort]

Hopefully we see some decent (i.e. existent) opposition alternatives starting ... now.

 

[philmud]

This early in a cycle opposition leaders are always quiet, and usually just caretakers ala Brendon Nelson. I suspect the ALPs changes to the leader selection process might see Bill lead them to the next election. I think they'll stay quiet for now, unless they push for a double dissolution election over the Carbon Tax. Otherwise, there's no point landing any heavy blows so far out from the next election. IMO Labor needs to do some soul searching, they hunted with the hounds this last term and took the hares for granted.

 

[Liam_snorkel]

I suspect the ALPs changes to the leader selection process might see Bill lead them to the next election.

Might? Will. The new rules are that the leader can only change if they resign, or if 60% of caucus sign a petition calling for a new vote.

 

[OzPaleAle]

Seems even the government has gone pretty quiet. Maybe I have just missed it\haven't been watching the correct channel but haven't heard much for a couple of weeks.

 

[philmud]

Might? Will. The new rules are that the leader can only change if they resign, or if 60% of caucus sign a petition calling for a new vote.

I wasn't clear on the detail, but yeah, will!

 

[philmud]

Seems even the government has gone pretty quiet. Maybe I have just missed it\haven't been watching the correct channel but haven't heard much for a couple of weeks.

It's no accident.

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

Its far from an accident....if you dont mention the boats.....bit like a tree falling in the forest when no-one is there

 

[Liam_snorkel]

Taking a dash into state politics here, what do people think of the QLD govt passing the anti-bikie legislation last night, without undergoing any of the usual consultation or legal processes?

If you fit the visual description of "bikie" you can be harassed & detained. They've effectively legislated against people they don't like, disregarding the fact that we already have perfectly adequate criminal laws.

Peter Callaghan, head of Queensland Law and Justice Institute, slams new bikie laws
PETER CALLAGHAN SC THE COURIER-MAIL OCTOBER 15, 2013 1:43PM
GOLD COAST BIKIE LEADER GRANTED BAIL 0:35

The leader of the Bandidos' bikie gang's Gold Coast chapter has been granted bail after his weekend arrest.

ALL Queenslanders should be concerned about a brazen gang that is emboldened by a pack mentality and flexing its power, without regard for the concerns of others.

We might also be concerned about the bikies.

Unlike the bikies, the first group is certain to get its own way. The Vicious Lawless Associates Disestablishment Bill will be passed by Parliament.

The measures contained in this Bill might be necessary or not. We could comment if we were allowed to see it in advance. But the process by which it will pass into law is alarming.

It will, apparently, become part of our law without disclosure, without public consultation, without input from people who could actually help make it work and after completely bypassing the parliamentary committee process.

This is good for lawyers - when governments make laws in this fashion, they create work for those who have to interpret and apply them. But it is a disaster for democracy.

These laws are urgently needed, we are told, because this is nothing less than a war on bikies.

As in any war, truth is the first casualty. And it falls early, with the very exciting title of the Bill.

This title is being used to disguise content with implications far beyond anything to do with bikies. For example, it contains more provision for mandatory imprisonment - yet another attack on the concept of judicial discretion.

A responsible debate would involve questions about respect for the separation of powers, evidence proving the need for such a provision and whether any appeals against the inadequacy of sentences imposed on bikies have been lost.

Why are we are not going to have such a debate? At first, it might seem mysterious that the passage of this Bill should be attended by such subterfuge, arrogance and hubris. After all, given the size of the government's majority, we know they will get what they want.

But perhaps it is not so surprising after all. The prevailing attitude towards dissent and debate in Queensland has all the characteristics of bullying. As in the case of many bullies, there is always the suspicion that they are actually driven by fear and ignorance. And it is not fear of bikies. This is the behaviour of those who are afraid even to understand anything that might clash with their own agenda. And it is the ignorance of those so insecure that they choose to avoid hearing any suggestion that they might be wrong.

Peter Callaghan SC is the president of the Law & Justice Institute (Qld) Inc.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/peter-callaghan-head-of-queensland-law-and-justice-institute-slams-new-bikie-laws/story-fnihsr9v-1226740346105

 

[Forever Wort]

I would prefer more checks and balances in all laws and a more proper legislative process in this particular case, but I do sympathise with law enforcement in regards to identifying and prosecuting organised crime in the "one-percenter" subculture.

 

[Liam_snorkel]

I'm glad you mentioned one-percenters. here's some perspective.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/comment/blogs/blunt-instrument/bikies-would-be-ashamed-of-states-casino-push-20131015-2vjbl.html

 

[Forever Wort]

I sympathise with Queensland's political predicament. I would never vote for your Premier.

But I do maintain that organised crime and one-percenter culture are highly correlated and I sympathise with proactive measures that attempt to make it easier to arrest and prosecute them.

 

[Liam_snorkel]

It's also going to cost the QLD govt an absolute bomb defending the legislation in the high court.

a mate who's a partner at a law firm and who knew him during school said this of Bleijie "he's an absolute fuckin belter and yeah he was a solicitor for a couple of years but probably never saw the inside of a court room". Haha. Our dear Attourney General.

 

[Forever Wort]

News flash: apparently Kevin Rudd is a *******. Zing.

 

[philmud]

As I understand it, the law could apply to any group of 3 or more people, not just bikies. Could apply to a case swap! He's a scary fucker you've got running things.

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

Can you be a bikie if you dont own or ride a bike