Brisbane Games legislation soon

Press, 14 July 1982, Page 23

Brisbane Games legislation soon

NZPA Brisbane Queensland’s controversial Commonwealth Games legislation will be finalised this month. The state Police Minister. Mr Russell Hinze has promised that his officers would adopt a “commonsense approach” to enforce the new regulations. The Labour Lawyers' Association's secretary. Mr Wayne Goss, has described the legislation as provocative and irresponsible. He said

that it was creating tension and confusion in sections of the community. "The new legislation makes it a criminal offence to be in a notified area with a prohibited thing," Mr-Goss said. Penalties included two years jail and a heavy fine, and Mr Goss called on the Minister to make the details public. Mr Hinze said that no regulations were being prepared. "Orders-in-Council will be finalised in the next two t weeks setting out notified areas for Games sporting venues and accommodation sites." he said. "Anyone with a basic knowledge of law would realise the futility of the police listing hundreds of articles

deemed prohibited or dangerous." he said. "The Queensland Government will ensure that the Games proceed in the friendly atmosphere intended with the rights of all persons, black and white, fully protected," Mr Hinze said. The Queensland Premier. Mr Joh Bjelke-Petersen. also defended the Games legislation. “We must not forget the tragedv of Munich, especially with radical and splinter groups active," he said. Black Protest Committee organisers are proceeding with plans to have 20.000 Aboriginals gather at Tweed Heads on the eve of the Commonwealth Games, and march into Queensland the next day.