QLD OR NORTH KOREA?

Australia’s next human rights commissioner has savaged Queensland’s anti-bikie laws, saying they can be used to punish law-abiding citizens.

Tim Wilson also says bikies should be investigated and prosecuted the same way as other criminals, in an opinion piece for Fairfax Media.

Mr Wilson says the laws are an example of human rights being diluted by governments in favour of ‘‘other aspirational, often seemingly worthy, goals’’.

He says the Queensland government has created a host of new crimes that could ‘‘easily be used to punish law-abiding citizens in the wrong time’’, rather than empowering police to prevent crimes.

‘‘If bikies commit crimes the police should investigate and prosecute criminals,’’ he wrote in the piece published on Thursday.

‘‘But from a human rights perspective it is entirely unjust that freedom of association should be squashed to make the job of the police easier to investigate.

’’Mr Wilson said it was his intention to defend human rights from being

‘‘further diluted’’.

‘‘Rights should be as absolute as possible,’’ he wrote.

‘‘Universal human rights need to be upheld and protected.’’

Mr Wilson was a Liberal Party member until Attorney-General George Brandis announced his appointment as human rights commissioner this week.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/rights-commissioner-slams-bikie-laws-20131219-2zmdy.html#ixzz2ntmB0HUe

Cheers & Respect

Prickle