Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston has backed a proposal to create new criminal offences targeting so-called "violence brokers" as part of a broader plan aimed at tackling escalating gangland violence across Sydney.
The policy, announced by NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane and senior Liberal and Nationals MPs, would introduce new offences for recruiting, organising or facilitating violent crimes on behalf of organised criminal groups.
Under the proposal, a person found guilty of acting as or using a violence broker could face up to 16 years imprisonment, increasing to 20 years if a child is involved.
The announcement comes amid growing concern about organised crime activity across Sydney and follows a series of gangland-related incidents that have attracted widespread public attention.
What Is a Violence Broker?
The Opposition says organised crime groups are increasingly distancing themselves from criminal acts by recruiting intermediaries who then organise younger offenders to carry out assaults, shootings, arson attacks and other violent crimes.
The proposed legislation would create specific offences targeting those who recruit, direct or facilitate criminal violence, rather than focusing solely on the individuals carrying out the offences.
The policy would also expand the use of unexplained wealth laws, allowing authorities to pursue assets held by people reasonably suspected of acting as or using violence brokers.
More Resources for Crime Commission
The plan also includes a commitment to double funding for the NSW Crime Commission, allowing the agency to expand investigations into organised crime and pursue the confiscation of criminal assets.
Shadow Attorney-General Damien Tudehope said targeting illicit wealth was one of the most effective ways to disrupt organised crime groups.
"Stripping organised crime groups of their illicit wealth is one of the most effective ways to dismantle their operations," Mr Tudehope said.
The Opposition argues that criminal organisations are motivated by profit and that removing their financial resources can significantly weaken their operations.
Local Relevance
Ms Preston said Hawkesbury residents expected governments to take strong action against organised crime before violence spreads into local communities.
She referred to the death of Glenorie resident Chris Baghsarian earlier this year as an example of the devastating consequences organised crime can have on families and communities.
"The Hawkesbury community was shocked by the brutal gangland-style murder of the late Mr Chris Baghsarian at Glenorie earlier this year," Ms Preston said.
"It was a stark reminder that organised crime can have devastating consequences far beyond the criminal underworld and leave local families fearing for their safety."
"Families in the Hawkesbury deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets and in their local shopping centres. Organised crime has no place in our communities and we cannot afford to be complacent when gangland violence is escalating across Sydney."
Political Debate Continues
The Opposition has accused the NSW Government of failing to adequately address rising gangland violence and argues that recent legislative changes do not go far enough.
The Government has previously introduced legislation aimed at tackling organised crime and gang-related offending, but the Opposition claims stronger penalties and additional powers are needed to address increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
The proposed measures would only take effect if the Liberals and Nationals form government at the next state election due on 13 March 2027.
While the Hawkesbury is often viewed as a relatively safe regional community on Sydney's fringe, police and crime experts have long warned that organised crime networks operate across metropolitan and regional areas.
Modern criminal organisations are involved in activities ranging from drug trafficking and money laundering to cybercrime, illegal firearms and organised violence.
The announcement highlights the growing focus on preventing organised crime from establishing a foothold in suburban and regional communities before violence escalates.
Proposed Measures
- New offence for acting as a violence broker.
- New offence for using a violence broker.
- Maximum penalties of 16 years imprisonment.
- Up to 20 years imprisonment where a child is involved.
- Doubling NSW Crime Commission funding.
- Expanded unexplained wealth powers.
- Greater ability to seize criminal assets.
EXPLAINER: What Are Unexplained Wealth Laws?
Unexplained wealth laws allow authorities to seize assets where a person cannot reasonably demonstrate how wealth was lawfully obtained.
The laws are designed to target organised crime figures who may not hold assets directly in their own names or whose wealth far exceeds their declared income.
Examples of assets that can be targeted include:
- Real estate.
- Luxury vehicles.
- Cash holdings.
- Bank accounts.
- Investments.
- Business interests.
Supporters argue the laws hit organised crime where it hurts most — its profits.
Critics argue strong safeguards are needed to ensure property rights and due process are protected.
The proposed Liberal-Nationals policy would extend these powers to people reasonably suspected of acting as, or using, violence brokers.
