WA bikies told to stay out of NSW

Members of WA's biggest bikie gang have been warned to stay out of NSW or risk being arrested under that State's tough new anti-association laws.

It is understood as many as 100 WA Rebels were preparing to travel to Sydney for the club's annual national run, which starts some time next week.

But NSW police have said they would be waiting at the border, armed with their new powers that make it is an offence for any person to "consort" with others who have been convicted of a serious criminal offence.

The laws carry a three-year jail term, but Rebels WA president Nick Martin was defiant yesterday, saying the club would not be changing its travel plans.

"It is what it is," he said. "We are going on our national run as always, regardless."

A truck packed full of Harley- Davidson motorcycles is understood to have left Perth and is believed to be on its way to South Australia. Gang members are expected to join their bikes in Adelaide at the weekend and plan to ride with their South Australian counterparts to Sydney early next week.

NSW Police declined an interview request yesterday, but in a statement confirmed members of the gangs squad had been in regular contact with Rebels leaders about the State's laws.

"It doesn't matter if you are resident of NSW or a tourist - if you break the law, you can expect to be swiftly arrested and charged," Det-Supt Deb Wallace said.

The NSW laws were recently challenged in the High Court by two members of the Lone Wolf bikie gang, who were the first in the State to be charged. The challenge was rejected last week, giving police the green light to use the powers.

WA Police were given similar powers last year to stop gang members from associating, but are yet to use them.

Under the WA laws, gangs can be declared criminal organisations by the courts and control orders issued making it illegal for members to meet or contact each other.

The Rebels' last national run was held in Perth. About 900 members converged on the city for a four-day party. Only a few minor incidents were reported.