As the Queensland Government remains in doubt after the election two weekends ago, an independent MP could hold the keys to power if so-called bikie VLAD laws are amended.
Peter Wellington, Independent Member for Nicklin and supporter of the Yandina Five has long protested against the Orwellian-sounding Vicious Lawless Associates Disestablishment Act or so-called VLAD Act.
Riders protest VLAD lawsHe has spoken out on several occasions including this comment at last year’s Australia day freedom rally in Roma St: “Today on Australia Day we usually celebrate our freedom and are the envy of other countries … but no longer are you equal before the law … that is not the Australian way.”
The ALP has said they may not immediately change the VLAD laws if they gain power in Queensland, however that could change as they need Wellington’s support to form a minority government.
Labor now says it will consider Wellington’s call for a Bill of Rights which would amend VLAD as part of a 22-point agreement.
The Murdoch press refers to Wellington as wanting to “soften” or “water down” the VLAD laws and have accused him of supporting bikies, but Wellington has insisted the amendments are about preserving our freedoms.