NCJ Number
101285
Date Published
1986
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This chapter traces the development of organized crime in Australia over the last 50 years (into the 1980's) as it has developed into an international crime syndicate acknowledged by the Federal Government to be the Nation's major law enforcement problem and a major national economic liability.
Abstract
Over 50 years, Sydney's organized crime syndicates have evolved from predatory street gangs battling for the cocaine trade in the 1920's to a powerful national criminal organization with a foothold in Australia's legitimate economy and criminal operations extending to Southeast Asia and the United States. The syndicate operates illegal gambling casinos, off-course bookmaking, a slot machine industry, drug trafficking from Southeast Asia, and a prostitution industry in the Philippines. Events of the 1970's demonstrated the organizational power and political influence of the syndicate. Since 1967, there has been a remarkable continuity of syndicate personnel. The introduction of the 1982 National Crimes Commission Bill into the Federal Parliament demonstrated the Fraser administration's concern over the sudden growth of organized crime. The bill would have established a Federal commission to investigate organized crime and official corruption. It would have had the power to obtain search warrants, seize passports, compel appearance at its hearings, investigate either State or Federal matters, pursue criminal investigations, and recommend prosecution. 63 references.