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Police won’t stop Anzac marches to arrest bikie groups

 

The state's top cop says police will not disrupt Anzac Day parades to target outlaw motorcycle gangs, despite the Newman government's laws preventing bikies marching together.

Bikies can march on Anzac Day, so long as there are no more than three "in nexus".

Commissioner Ian Stewart has assured Queenslanders the police force will ensure the spirit of Anzac Day is not "tarnished" this Friday.

Outlaw motorcycle gang members and associates will be arrested if more than three march alongside each other, under Queensland's controversial anti-association laws, but not immediately he said.

Under the Newman government's anti-association laws, three or more members of a "criminal organisation" are banned from meeting in a public place or bikie clubhouse.

But Mr Stewart said speculation that police were planning to disrupt marches to target bikies was unfounded.

“The QPS does not intend to target Anzac Day celebrations unless there is specific intelligence indicating that gang members were intent on disrespecting one of the most important days of commemoration for Australian and New Zealand citizens, by breaching the law," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Demonstrations of violence or criminal activity by anyone, let alone criminal gangs, will not be tolerated."

Mr Stewart said police would monitor events to ensure they were not disrupted, and if need be, would conduct follow-up investigations into suspect criminal activity post-event.

“The message is clear. If you are not breaking the law, you have no need to be concerned, but maintaining public order and community safety is paramount to the QPS," he said.

“The QPS is committed to stopping crime and building relationships for the safety of all Queenslanders."