PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO COMBAT SERIOUS AND ORGANISED CRIME
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the passage of legislation implementing reforms to more effectively prevent, investigate and prosecute organised crime activity, and target the proceeds of organised crime groups.
“The increasingly sophisticated and aggressive nature of organised crime requires a tough response. It is important that we have strong, tailored and effective laws in place to combat serious organised crime,” Mr McClelland said.
The reforms focus on confiscating the proceeds of crime while strengthening national law enforcement coordination and capability. The strategy is two pronged, to remove the profitability of criminal activity, and increase the likelihood of criminals being caught.
The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Bill 2009 and the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Bill (No. 2) 2009 implements measures agreed to by State and Territory Attorneys-General and strengthens existing laws by:
- introducing new criminal offences targeting those involved in organised crime;
- strengthening criminal asset confiscation and anti-money laundering regimes;
- requiring individuals suspected of possessing unexplained wealth to demonstrate it was legally acquired;
- broadening access to telecommunications interception for the investigation of organised crime offences;
- providing protection for undercover law enforcement officers who infiltrate criminal organisations;
- enhancing money laundering, bribery and drug importation offences;
- enhancing search and seizure powers and the ability to access electronic data;
- extending criminal liability to individuals who jointly commit a Commonwealth offence;
- improving the operation and accountability of the Australian Crime Commission; and
- improving the operation of the National Witness Protection Program by increasing protection for current and former participants and officers.
“These measures will target the perpetrators and profits of organised crime and will provide our law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to combat the increasingly sophisticated methods used by organised crime syndicates.”
The passage of the Bills represents another important step in the coordinated national effort to combat serious and organised crime and delivers on the Government’s commitment to address organised crime as a priority.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630