New anti-fortification laws to target bikie clubhouses

The legislation will be introduced to Parliament this week and will give police greater powers to remove fortifications such as defence walls from homes they believe are connected to illegal activity.

President of the Police Association of Tasmania, Pat Allen, said the current laws were not working and any legislation that assisted police in doing their job was welcomed.

Last year, police were forced to use the BearCat during raids in Devonport and Glenorchy.

“If you have your house fortified to the point that police need to use the BearCat, then surely you’re up to something illegal and trying to block out law enforcement,” Mr Allen said.

The current fortification removal provisions contained within the Police Offences Act 1935 will be replaced with a new standalone Act. The changes are based on laws introduced in Victoria in 2013 and include fortified homes where police believe drug, sex and firearms offences are being committed. 

Police Minister Rene Hidding said “the adoption of fortifications by criminal groups allows them extra security when breaking the law and are intimidating to those living in the communities”.

“These laws will send the right message that this will not be tolerated in Tasmania. Providing effective tools to Tasmania Police to disrupt organised criminal groups is critically important to the Tasmanian community.”