Motorcycle riding in our deep North (Qld)

[RayK]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-15/qld-government-plans-bikie-only-prison-under-new-laws/5022524

[old smokey]

Geesh,
Ray - I could make you an offer on your Bridgestone(s) before they're worth nothing more than scrap metal prices...

and no gym facilities or tv, that's harsh!   

[slawsonb]

There must REALLY be a gang problem in QLD or this is just crazy. Was there a specific incident that precipitated this?
Ray, what's a BSer/QLD native's opinion?
...bert

[RayK]

Bert
I am in the State of New South Wales (NSW) - Queensland (Qld) is North of us. Their State Parliament (Legislature) is controlled by a large majority of the very conservative LNP. They have no upper House of Review (like the US State Senate) unlike the other 5 States in Australia. So they can pass any legislation they like. The bikie gangs have been having public brawls and shootings recently and are seen as being out of control.
However, ordinary Motorcycle riders are being pulled over by Qld Police and accused of all sorts of things. The Police up there seem to have trouble differentiating between riders on BMWs/Jap bikes and Gang members riding Harleys in their Club colours.

Queensland is referred to as the 'Deep North'. Here is the latest.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/16/bikie-crackdown-we-will-crush-them-says-queensland-attorney-general-jarrod-beijie-says

Ray

[coxy]

there goes my free tattoos .what a load of crap .'how do these polys come up with this stuff . according to the news they get 7 years in prison just for congregating as a club  ,cant work in tattoo shop etc etc  .I wonder if all the clubs will put down there arms and join forces .how would the police ,police that

[slawsonb]

Ray, no offense intended by putting you in QLD. 
Thanks for sharing the geopolitics lesson. I expect most "good motorcyclists" will steer far from the 'Deep North'.
...bert