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CHAPTER1: Purpose of the Discussion Paper

1.1 The main aim of this discussion paper is to provide information to the Parliament and the community about the nature and extent of Asian organised crime in Australia. The Committee also wishes to use the opportunity offered by publication of this paper to make some general observations about what it regards as unnecessary secrecy on the part of Australian law enforcement agencies with information about organised criminal activity.

1.2 The Committee's focus on Asian organised crime reflects the considerable community interest in the topic. This interest was heightened by the murder in September 1994 of Mr John Newman, the member for Cabramatta in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. He had been prominent in campaigning against the problem of crime, some of it organised and heroin-related, in his electorate, which has a high proportion of people of Asian origin. As a result of his murder, considerable public attention was given to the question of Asian organised crime.

1.3 The Committee's discussion paper has been compiled from information available to the Committee in the ordinary course of its activities. It is not the product of consultation with community groups, the National Crime Authority, or others interested in the subject. The Committee would welcome comments on and responses to the paper.

 

Contact Address:

The Secretary
Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Crime Authority,
Parliament House,
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2600,
Australia

Phone 02 6277 3565;
Fax 02 6277 5866
E-mail: nca.joint@aph.gov.au

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