The South Australian government’s anti-gang strategy has failed and is turning outlaws into rock stars, the Liberals say.
Adelaide’s self-appointed leader of the Comancheros bikie gang Vincenzo Focarelli is in hospital after being wounded by a gunman who also killed his son, Giovanni, 22, overnight at suburban Dry Creek, in Adelaide’s northwest.
It is the fourth time Focarelli has survived an assassination attempt by rival gangs and shows Labor’s anti-gang strategy is failing, shadow attorney-general Stephen Wade told reporters on Monday.
Focarelli, who was hospitalised with a gun shot wound in December, reportedly boasted on Facebook earlier this month that he felt “like a rock star” with all the media attention.
He also featured in a YouTube video, apparently promoting the Comancheros gang in Adelaide.
Mr Wade says Labor’s hapless tough talking on bikies has made it the best recruitment agent the gangs have ever had.
“Labor’s fruitless tough talking has elevated outlaw leaders like Vincenzo Focarelli to rock star status,” he said on Monday.
Labor under former leader Mike Rann declared war on outlaw gangs and boasted the toughest anti-gang laws in Australia.
Mr Wade said Labor promised to tear down bikie fortresses but not one has been bulldozed.
He said Premier Jay Weatherill needs to explain to South Australians what he is going to do to make the streets safe again.
“We need to use every law in the book to control these people – from road traffic laws to the criminal law, to public safety orders.
“Labor has lost court challenges, lost valuable time and lost control. The gangs have been emboldened and have grown.”
Mr Weatherill will talk to the media after Labor’s cabinet meeting on Monday.
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