About 2000 people, including at least 1000 motorcyclists, attended a “ride and rally” in Brisbane on December 1. This was part of a series of rallies across the country held to protest against Queensland's anti-democratic laws that target bikers.
Bikers from around Brisbane and nearby regional centres converged on state parliament where they were welcomed by supporters. The rally called for the new laws to be scrapped.
Many recreational riders say they have been unfairly targeted and harassed by police since the laws were introduced.
President of Queensland's Liberal Democrats Gabriel Buckley, who chaired the rally, told ABC news: "These laws affect everybody so it's not surprising that there's a wide range of people.”
"Although [the laws have] been sold as a targeted crackdown on organised crime groups, they're so broadly written that they could be used against any group of people.”
Other speakers included Queensland Council for Civil Liberties president Michael Cope, secretary of the Electrical Trades Union Peter Simpson, and Travis Windsor from the Motorcycle Chamber of Commerce.
The wife and family of Kevin Hill, who is in prison for a minor offence and has now become subject to the laws, also addressed the rally. Hill is being held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, is excluded from using the gym and is denied access to mental health services.
This was the second large rally outside parliament in recent weeks.The Queensland Council of Unions had previously rallied on November 19. A further rally is planned for January 26.