BENALLA ENSIGN STORY

North-east Victorian recreational 
motorcyclists will join hundreds of 
other riders on the steps of 
Parliament House on Sunday to 
protest new ‘‘anti-bikie’’ laws 
introduced in Queensland.

A ‘Freedom Ride’ will begin at various locations across the north-east,
with riders driving past and picking up riders on their way to Melbourne.

Independent Riders Group Northern Register spokesperson Cate Hughes
said the protest was about recent legislation introduced by the
Queensland Government, impacting on recreational/social motorcycle riders’
civil liberties.

Ms Hughes said the independent riders feared that the laws were being
considered by other states and territories.

She said in response to the alleged illegal activities of a small number of
motorcycle members, the following legislation was introduced;

•Criminal Law (Criminal Organisations Disruption) Amendment Bill 2013;

•Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Bill 2013;

•Tattoo Parlours Bill 2013.

Ms Hughes said by enforcing the removal of identifying clothing of outlaw
motorcycle club members, there had been a significant backlash on the
recreational/social motorcycle riding community. ‘‘Queensland police (are) 
conducting stop and search on all motorcyclists, including requesting riders 
remove their clothing to reveal any tattoos, and photographing them, to 
establish if they are members or associates of an outlaw motorcycle club,’’ 
Ms Hughes said.

‘‘All motorcyclists riding three or more being stopped and searched, and all
motorcyclists in social groups of 12 or more being required to report their ride
plans to Queensland police.’’

Ms Hughes said The Freedom Ride was not only about motorcyclists’
right to ride. ‘‘It’s important because it’s about Australia’s freedoms. It’s about 
the right to meet with who we want, when and where we want. It’s about stop 
and search powers extending to ordinary citizens, and more,’’ she said.

The ride is backed by the Free Australia Party, organised by the Freedom Riders,
and supported by the Independent Riders Group.

The protest rally is on Sunday, December 1 at Parliament House, Melbourne at 10 am. 

The Freedom Ride will pass through BP Service Station at Glenrowan southbound at 
6.45 am, Caltex Service Station at Tallarook southbound at 8.30 am, and BP Service 
Station Wallan southbound at 9 am. For the Mansfield ride, assemble at 7 am for 
7.30 am departure from BP Service Station Mt Buller Rd. Pick up points — Bonnie Doon, 
Yarck and Alexandra. The riders will not stop, be ready to roll as the groups pass. 

For more information about the ride contact Cate at: 

independentridersg roup@iinet.net.au 

or by phoning 0412 049 504.