A full record of Mark's Speeches are available at www.parliament.qld.gov.au
A full record of Mark's Speeches are available at www.parliament.qld.gov.au
I rise to make a ministerial statement. I refer to a question without notice asked of the Premier this morning by the member for Mansfield. With regard to this matter, the police have advised me that an alleged member of a Sydney based organised crime gang was arrested on the Gold Coast this week. Police advise that this individual is one of two persons with alleged links to a particular Sydney based organised crime gang. Advice from police is that this matter is strictly operational. Further, as this matter is before the courts, I am sure that all honourable members would understand that I am limited in what I can say at this time.
However, what I can say is that this recent arrest shows our new laws are working and it shows the resolve of dedicated members of Taskforce Maxima. This dedicated task force has been actively enforcing our tough new laws, and more so since the consorting component took effect earlier this month. As at 21 March—only two days ago—three verified consorting warning notices were issued to individuals in the Gold Coast police district, with a total of 42 across Queensland. Police across the state continue to actively enforce the new offence of wearing or carrying a prohibited item in a public place. As at 20 March, nine people have been charged with a total of nine offences across Queensland, including two individuals charged with two offences within the Gold Coast police district.
The member for Everton asked me a question without notice about data in relation to weapons licences and licence holders. In his question, the member made reference to requests for information that Weapons Licensing had apparently made to firearms dealers. I am advised by the Queensland Police Service that officers from Weapons Licensing regularly contact weapons dealers about transactions with respect to disposals and acquisitions. On occasions, Weapons Licensing have identified inconsistences in the paperwork received from dealers and seek clarification to ensure the accuracy of records. Weapons Licensing have a due diligence responsibility when it comes to firearms and they are exercising that responsibility.