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headline

Bikies told to use 'makeup' to cover up as WA legislation introduced

Western Australia is set to ban outlaw motorcycle gang members from wearing their patches and associating with one another in public.

The Criminal Law (Unlawful Consorting and Prohibited Insignia) Bill 2021 will be introduced into state parliament next week.

It names 46 bikie organisations from across the country.

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Bikie members will be banned from displaying their insignia in public in WA.

Attorney-General John Quigley said the laws "demonstrate the McGowan Government's unwavering commitment to stopping the expansion of serious organised crime and criminal groups in WA once and for all".

Once passed, the laws will give police officers in the state unprecedented powers to disrupt and limit serious and organised crime.

Police officers will be allowed to disperse gang members that gather together in public.

Mr Quigley said any club insignia, including tattoos, would need to be covered up in public.

"If they're on parts of their body which clothing apparel will not cover then they'll have to find some other way to cover it," Mr Quigley said.

"Either … makeup (or) foundation."

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If caught showing gang colours in public, bikie members can face 12 months in jail and fines between $12,000 to $60,000.

Police Minister Paul Papalia said the laws aim to improve safety in the state.

"We are determined to make WA a safe place, without the fear of bikies pursuing their own vendettas at the expense of law-abiding citizens," Mr Papalia said.

headline

Explained: When lockdown restrictions will ease in Victoria

As Victoria marks 70 days into lockdown number six, Victorians are desperate to when they will get freedoms back.

'Freedom day' is set for when 70 per cent of the eligible population aged over 16 are fully vaccinated.

Here's a rundown of all that we know.

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When will Victoria hit the 70 per cent fully vaccinated mark?

It's likely to be at the end of next week.

The state was initially forecast to reach its 70 per cent double dose COVID-19 vaccine milestone on October 26, but data shows it is possible the target may be hit as early as October 21.

The state is currently sitting at 61.5 per cent of the eligible population being double- dosed.

Today Premier Daniel Andrews said he would provide "greater clarity" at the end of the week about what next week looks like as the state remains on track to reach its vaccine target ahead of schedule.

But even when Victoria hits the target, many restrictions will still remain in place.

What changes for Victorians at the 70 per cent fully vaccinated mark?

Premier Daniel Andrews has said the lockdown will officially end when the rate of double-dosed Victorians aged 16 and over will hit 70 per cent, saying the milestone will bring about "freedom day".

However, many restrictions will stay in place, meaning Victorians will still not be able to visit homes or go shopping, while Melburnians will not be able to sit inside at a venue.

In Metropolitan Melbourne the milestone will mean:

  • Ten fully vaccinated people will be able to gather outdoors
  • Pubs, clubs and entertainment venues will be able to host up to 50 fully vaccinated people outdoors only
  • School students will attend school at least part time
  • Hairdressing and personal care will be able to open to five fully vaccinated people
  • Weddings and funerals will be allowed to have 50 fully vaccinated people outdoors and funerals will be allowed to have 20 people indoors
  • Retail will stay closed
  • Visitors will still not be allowed to homes
  • People will not be allowed to eat or drink inside at venues

In regional Victoria it will mean:

  • Community sport returns indoors with number restrictions
  • Pubs, clubs and entertainment venues will be able to host 30 fully vaccinated people indoors
  • School students will attend school at least part time
  • Funerals and weddings will be allowed for 30 fully vaccinated people indoors and 100 fully vaccinated outdoors.
  • Retail will stay closed

Visitors will still not be allowed to homes

When will Victoria get to the 80 per cent mark?

Victoria is expected to reach the 80 per cent mark about 10 days after it reaches the 70 per cent mark.

The government originally predicted Victoria would reach 80 per cent around November 5, but the milestone could be reached as early as November 2 with current vaccination rates.

What changes then?

When Victoria reaches the 80 per cent fully vaccinated milestone, restrictions will remain in place across the state, but there will be more freedoms.

All of the state will live under the same rules.

Changes will include:

  • Ten visitors will be allowed to homes
  • 30 people will be allowed to gather outside
  • Retail will open
  • Pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to open for 150 fully vaccinated people – for seated service only, and for 500 outdoors
  • Indoor community sport will be allowed with number restrictions
  • Masks will be only be required indoors
  • People will be encouraged to work from home but will be allowed to go to work if they are fully vaccinated
  • All schools and childcare will return fulltime
  • On-site adult education will be allowed for the full vaccinated
  • Hairdressing, beauty and personal care will not be restricted
  • Weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies will be allowed to have 150 fully vaccinated people indoors and 500 outdoors

When will Victoria open its borders?

It is unclear when Victoria will open its borders to all other Australians.

It is hoped the day will be before Christmas, but an announcement is yet to be made.

With Victoria having been in lockdown for months, the issue will also be when other states will open their borders to Victorians.