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PM slams bikie gangs and announces ice dob-in hotline in Brisbane
By Natalie Bochenski
The Prime Minister has slammed bikie gangs while spruiking his government's anti-ice measures in Brisbane.
Tony Abbott announced $1 million boost to Crime Stoppers to nationally expand and promote a "Dob in a Dealer" hotline currently operating in Victoria.
"If you drink drive, you have the book thrown at you. It should be the same for this as well": Tony Abbott on the government's "Dob in a Dealer" drug reporting hotline.Credit: Natalie Bochenski
"As I understand in different parts of the state [it] has resulted in a 100 to 400 per cent increase in community information coming in about these drug dealers," he said.
"There are no excuses for illegal drugs, they always hurt you.
"The first time you use these drugs they damage you, and if you become enslaved to drugs your life will be destroyed."
With the Palaszczuk government considering a review of the outlaw motorcycle gang laws introduced by its predecessor, the Prime Minister urged states and territories to be "strong and vigilant" against bikie gangs.
"It's well known that something like 70 per cent of the ice dealing in this country is associated with organised crime gangs, particularly bikie gangs," he said.
"Now these bikie gangs are at the very heart of crime in this country and it's important that we crack down on them."
Mr Abbott described "ice benders" as posing significant risks to frontline health workers as well as families and friends of those affected.
But he said the focus had to be on punishment as well as rehabilitation.
"While there are all sorts of explanations for people being on drugs, dealing in drugs, we cannot make excuses for this kind of crime, just like we don't make excuses for drink driving," Mr Abbott said.
"If you drink drive, you have the book thrown at you. It should be the same for this as well."
Mr Abbott inspected a new Australian Border Force mobile examination vehicle at the DHL facility at Brisbane Airport, which carries out screening for drugs like methamphetamine.
He also highlighted the federal government's commitment of $18 million towards criminal intelligence gathering overseas to track down drug sources, and signalled a policy targeting unexplained wealth was not far off.
The Prime Minister said the extra $1 million for the hotline would not fund any rewards for people who reported drug deals.
"If you see... or suspect criminal behaviour is taking place, you have a duty to do what you can and the Dob in a Dealer hotline will give you more opportunity to do more in this area."
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