The Socialist Alliance Western Australia released the statement below after its members took part in an April 30 meeting organised by the United Motorcycle Council of WA to oppose the government's proposed "anti-association" laws.
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“There is no way to improve the anti-association laws currently before parliament, they must be rejected outright,” said Socialist Alliance WA co-convenor Alex Bainbridge.
“Guilt by association has no place in a modern legal system but is exactly what the Barnett government is planning to bring in.
“Most shameful of all, the ALP opposition is planning to support this legislation, even if they move a few amendments first. Labor should make a stand for democratic rights and reject this legislation outright.
“The fundamental problem with this legislation is that in punishes people who have committed no crime. That would be an injustice, no matter which sector of society were affected.
“The government may be talking a lot about bikies now when they're trying to get this legislation passed - which itself is an unfair slight against motorcycle clubs — however, this legislation could be used against many other community groups including trade unions, social and environmental activists and others.”
