The ACT Government is drafting legislation to ban members of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG's) from wearing or displaying items that signify gang membership.
The reforms would seek to ban the public display of OMCG insignia, this includes patches, logos and other insignia, where they are used to identify membership, intimidate the community, or recruit new members.
This could include insignia of designated criminal organisations and OMCG from being displayed on clothing or jewellery, or on items such as signs, flags, or vehicles in public places.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, said this legislation would be intended to further tackle criminal activity from outlaw motorcycle gangs.
"These laws are designed to disrupt criminal networks and reduce the public visibility of these gangs. OMCGs use this insignia to intimidate others, assert control, attract and recruit new members and normalise their presence in our community. These laws will send a clear message to these gangs that Canberra's public spaces belong to our community, not criminal organisations.
"This ban would also make it harder for OMCGs to openly recruit. The laws would present ACT Policing with extra measures to reduce the influence of organised crime."
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Police Officer, Scott Lee
"We know that OMCGs use the display of their patches and insignia to intimidate the wider community, exert power and control and as a recruiting tool to attract new members and grow their networks.
"We welcome steps being taken to prevent them from displaying their insignia on Canberra's streets and believe this will assist ACT Policing in our ongoing fight to disrupt organised crime in the ACT and to help keep the Canberra community safe."
