The police union will observe new laws, if passed, to ban certain outlaw motorcycle gangs from wearing club colours in public to see whether stricter measures need to be introduced to curtail illegal behaviour.
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The Liberals have decided to follow the lead of three other states and the Northern Territory to introduce the proposed proscribed laws.
Police Association of Tasmania president Pat Allen said he believed it would ensure more club chapters did not move to the state and further members were not recruited.
He said although he didn’t back the introduction of anti-association laws, such as those later rescinded in Queensland, he maintained an open mind.
"If we see the influx occurring now continue, then yes, we might have to go down that path," Mr Allen said.
"If it's not good enough then the police association will just push the government for more laws."
Mr Allen said outlaw motorcycle clubs were well-organised and well-established in Tasmania and members were known to indulge in standover tactics and drug distribution
Police Minister Rene Hidding said the ways in which ice use had burrowed into pockets of the Tasmanian community was “deeply concerning” and had prompted the legislation.
“It is important that we get at the base level of this problem, which is the distribution and sale of the product,” Mr Hidding said.
“Police intelligence strongly shows that this is carried out by certain motorcycle gangs.”
Australian Lawyers Alliance spokesman Greg Barns said anti-bikie laws in certain states had resulted in few prosecutions, had not diminished the extent of drug activity, and had led to innocent people to be harassed by police officers.
“All it does is sent activity underground,” Mr Barns said.
“(The laws) are just chest-beating and window-dressing for political purposes.
“Just because someone is wearing insignia, it doesn’t make them a criminal.”
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the party would seek further advice from Tasmania Police to deal with outlaw motorcycle clubs.
She said implications for club members who participated in charity rides needed to be considered.
“We don’t want law-abiding Tasmanians caught up in any new laws that might be introduced,” Ms White said.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the Liberals needed to pledge more investment into early intervention and treatment options for ice addicts, particularly in regional areas.
There is estimated to be more than 280 outlaw motorcycle club members in the state.
