Australian gang members face pink prison uniforms

SYDNEY – Members of criminal gangs could be forced to wear “embarrassing” bright pink overalls in prison under a plan being considered Monday by an Australian state as it cracks down on bikers.

Queensland Police Minister Jack Dempsey said he was thinking about replacing the olive green clothing for something which makes the prisoners stand out more, and fluorescent pink is in his sights.

State Premier Campbell Newman said hot pink prison uniforms, which are used in parts of the United States, were a great idea for incarcerated members of biker gangs.

“They are bullies. They like to wear scary looking gear, leather jackets, they have the tattoos, they have their colours,” he told reporters Monday.

“We know that telling them to wear pink is going to be embarrassing for them.”

Queensland last week passed tough new laws to combat outlaw motorcycle gangs as authorities seek to destroy what they describe as “criminal organisations” that have become a growing menace across the country with links to drugs and guns.

Under the legislation, which names gangs such as the Bandidos, Hells Angels, Rebels and the Finks as criminal organisations, members face an additional 15 years to any prison term while authorities will have the power to destroy motorcycles.

Newman confirmed Sunday that state Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie had been threatened by biker gangs since the laws were passed, but did not elaborate.

“There have been threats made. That’s as far as I’m going,” he said.

“The government went in with our eyes open,” he added.

“We know these are criminal gangs, people who manufacture drugs, distribute them, create misery in our community, bash people up, threaten people, murder people on occasions and also rape.

“They are just absolute criminals and we knew they would not go quietly.”