Yesterday the Queensland Parliament took extraordinary steps to suspend the usual democratic processes of Parliamentary law making to introduce and pass three Bills targeting members of motorcycle clubs.  Links to each bill and their explanatory notes are below:

1. Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Bill 2013 and Explanatory Notes.

2. Criminal Law (Criminal Organisations Disruption) Amendment Bill 2013 and Explanatory Notes.

3.  Tattoo Parlours Bill 2013 and Explanatory Notes.

We have received multiple enquiries about when these bills will become law.  A bill becomes an Act of Parliament which has the force of law either from:

  1. the date that the Governor assents to the bill by signing an official copy of it; or
  2. its commencement date published in the Queensland Government Gazette.

As at 5pm Wednesday 16 October 2013, there is currently no information either on the Queensland Parliament website nor on the Queensland Government Gazette online advising the public that the law has been assented to or proclaimed to commence.

This firm has today written to the Attorney General’s office requesting information on the commencement of these laws.  As at this time we have received no response.

There being no information officially published about the commencement of these laws, they are not yet in force as at 5pm Wednesday 16 October 2013.

We will amend this message as soon as we become aware of the commencement of the laws however all readers should also take steps to check on the commencement date before taking any steps which may be expose them to adverse consequences under these laws.