February 2, 2014
A petition being taken up locally against the State Government’s Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment (VLAD) Bill now has more than 500 signatures, Queensland Greens member Grant Newson said today.
Mr Newson was collecting signatures at the Nanango Markets on Saturday and he said response at his stall exceeded his expectations.
“I knew feelings were running high against (Premier Campbell) Newman, (Attorney-General Jarrod) Bleije and the LNP in general after they introduced the draconian Bill last year, but the roll-up at the markets reinforced what I believed,” Mr Newson said.
“I now have over 500 signatures wanting the return of Queenslanders’ right to associate with whoever they want and the return of their freedom to ride a motorbike without fear of harassment.
“People are realising that the VLAD laws are not just specific to motorbike clubs. Motorcycle riders, innocent people, clubs, unions, tradespeople, protesters or anyone the Queensland Government or Queensland Police deem they want to impose these laws on, can, will and some already have been affected.”
Mr Newson said the police service had been given an additional $20 million this financial year to tackle criminal gangs and the Crime and Misconduct Commission’s budget had expanded by a further $7 million.
“All this for just 0.5 per cent of all criminal activity committed (statistically recorded). What about the other 99.5 per cent of crimes committed?” Mr Newson said.
“I haven’t had to chase people to sign the petition but have had people call me over and ask ‘Do you have a petition or something to sign?’ while walking around in my pink overalls.”
[Photo: Grant Newson]
