The Hodgman Liberal Government will crack down on criminal groups who are using fortified buildings to conduct their illegal activities.
New laws will be introduced to Parliament this week that will give police greater powers to remove fortifications where they are deemed to be excessive for a premises and where the premises is reasonably believed to be connected with a specified offence, such as the production and distribution of illicit drugs such as ice.
The specified offences include:
These laws are based on those currently used in Victoria which have proven to be very effective, and will replace the fortification removal provisions contained within the Police Offences Act 1935 with a new standalone Act.
The adoption of fortifications by criminal groups allows them extra security when breaking the law and are intimidating to those living in the communities, and these laws will send the right message that this will not be tolerated in Tasmania.
Following a court order for the removal or modification of fortifications, the owner or occupier needs to comply within 90 days or police can remove the fortification and recover costs.
Providing effective tools to Tasmania Police to disrupt organised criminal groups is critically important to the Tasmanian community and the new Act will help prevent these organisations from becoming entrenched in the state.
More Media Releases from Members
More Media Releases from the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management