NSW: New laws to crack down on NSW gang members

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2006
NSW: New laws to crack down on NSW gang members

Anyone who recruits people to join a criminal gang will face seven years prison under
laws to be introduced by the NSW government.

Premier MORRIS IEMMA says the new laws to crack down on gangs are unashamedly the toughest
anti-gang powers Australia's ever seen.

They'll also create a new offence where anyone who contributes in any way to a criminal
gang activity will be jailed for five years.

Gang members who commit crimes against police or those who damage property during public
disorders can be jailed for up to 16 years.

The laws are partly in response to the Cronulla riot and the subsequent revenge attacks
in December last year.

Mr IEMMA says there's nowhere for gang members to hide and anyone who takes part in
gang crime faces up to five years jail for any criminal activity .. even if they're the
smallest fish in the organisation.

AAP RTV nr/bart

KEYWORD: GANGS (SYDNEY)

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