Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is planning to introduce new racketeering legislation in parliament aimed at tackling organised crime within the CFMEU. The Coalition’s proposal would allow police to target criminal organisations as a whole, rather than just individuals, by demonstrating a pattern of law-breaking behavior. Dutton and Cash drew inspiration from the US’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act, or RICO, which requires a pattern of two offences in the last 10 years for prosecution. This new legislation would allow for the prosecution of the organisation itself, regardless of who committed the offences, marking a significant departure from current laws.
Cash emphasized the need for urgent action against organised crime, highlighting the significance of this new legislation in combatting the influence of criminal organisations like the CFMEU. By targeting the organisation as a whole, rather than focusing on individual offenders, the proposed laws aim to establish a more effective deterrent against illegal activities. Dutton expressed his intention to push for quick drafting and implementation of the legislation, citing the upcoming parliamentary sessions next week as an opportunity to address the issue promptly. The urgency to address organised crime within the CFMEU is seen as a critical priority for the Coalition.
The proposed racketeering legislation is part of the Coalition’s broader efforts to crack down on organised crime and strengthen law enforcement capabilities. By adopting a model similar to the RICO laws in the US, the new legislation would provide a powerful tool for authorities to target criminal organisations engaged in systematic illegal activities. The focus on establishing a pattern of behavior over time, rather than relying solely on individual prosecutions, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of organised crime and disrupting its operations.
Dutton’s decision to write to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to request drafting resources for the new legislation reflects the Coalition’s determination to move swiftly on this issue. The upcoming parliamentary sessions present an opportunity to introduce the legislation and initiate the process of combating organised crime within the CFMEU. The government’s proactive approach to addressing this challenge demonstrates a commitment to enhancing law enforcement capabilities and protecting the community from the influence of criminal organisations.
The potential impact of the proposed racketeering legislation extends beyond the immediate targeting of the CFMEU to broader efforts to address organised crime across various sectors. By focusing on prosecuting criminal organisations as entities, rather than individuals, the legislation seeks to disrupt the operations and activities of these groups more effectively. The adoption of a RICO-like model highlights the government’s intention to adopt innovative and comprehensive strategies to combat organised crime and protect the interests of the public.
In conclusion, the introduction of new racketeering legislation by the Coalition represents a significant step towards combating organised crime within the CFMEU and beyond. By targeting criminal organisations as a whole and establishing a pattern of behavior for prosecution, the proposed laws aim to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and deter illegal activities. The urgency and determination shown by Dutton and Cash in pushing for the legislation underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the threat of organised crime and protecting the community. As federal parliament convenes next week, the proposed legislation presents an opportunity to take decisive action and make substantial progress in the fight against criminal organisations.
