This motion, brought by Liberal MLA Deborah Morris, proposed to introduce anti-consorting legislation in the ACT. Anti-consorting laws aim to reduce gang-related crime and violence by criminalising the act of associating with certain criminal groups, particularly outlaw bikie gangs.

Thomas expressed his sympathy for the impetus for the motion, acknowledging the impact of outlaw bikie gang gatherings in the ACT and the outsize strain they place on police resourcing. However, he noted that similar legislation in other jurisdictions has resulted in the targeting of marginalised groups and has been shown not to prevent gang-related crime, but to send it further underground. For these reasons, Thomas supported Labor’s amendment, which removed the requirement to implement anti-consorting laws but retained the obligation to ensure police have the appropriate tools to fight organised crime. In his remarks, he expressed his support for exploring very carefully crafted legislation to prevent outlaw bikie gangs from travelling to the ACT, without also permitting marginalised residents to be targeted.

The amended motion passed with the support of Independent Fiona Carrick and the Greens.