Atkinson is at it again.......more distraction from the real issues.
CRIMINALS will have to explain "unexplained wealth" or have it confiscated under new laws to be introduced to Parliament later today.
Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said the legislation would target members of serious organised criminal gangs by forcing them to explain the source of specified assets suspected of being acquired through illegal means.
Under current state law, only assets actually used in a crime or are the proceeds of a crime can be confiscated.
Mr Atkinson said the new laws were based on similar laws already operating successfully in WA, the NT and NSW.
He said criminals would not be able to escape the effects of the laws by disposing of any assets police suspected of being gained from illegal activity.
"If they dispose of the assets, they will then have to pay the equivalent in cash," he said.
Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond said the Liberals had been considering this issue for some time and was likely to support the legislation.
She said however, that support would depend on a study of the legislation once it was introduced.
"After all, declarations and crime orders are one thing, but if you actually take someone's Harley I think that might sit up and take notice," Ms Redmond said.
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25790872-5006301,00.html
This is how they dealt with a couple of "clubs" up here in the Territory a while back
Been in for a few years up here
