Gang laws come into effect

The Government has passed two new laws that aim to reduce the harm caused by gangs, with both new laws taking effect from 21 November 2024.

The first new law is the Sentencing Amendment Act 2024(external link), which makes it easier for judges to consider gang membership as an aggravating factor at sentencing.

The second new law is the Gangs Act 2024(external link) which:

  • bans the display of gang patches and insignia in public places
  • gives Police the power to stop gang members from gathering in public by issuing dispersal notices
  • gives Police the power to apply for non-consorting orders to prevent specified gang offenders from associating and communicating with other specified gang offenders.

People who repeatedly breach the ban on displaying gang insignia in public can be barred from owning gang insignia, including from having these items in their homes.

Gang insignia includes any symbol or representation commonly displayed to indicate membership of a gang and includes items to which insignia are attached (such as a jacket or a vehicle).

The Gangs Act 2024 includes a list of 35 gangs(external link) to which the gang insignia ban applies.

The list of gangs can be updated to add or remove a group on recommendation by the Minister of Police and must be reviewed at least every 5 years.

These changes aim to reduce the ability of gangs to operate and cause fear, intimidation, and disruption to the public.

There is more information at: Gang legislation

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