Queensland considers pink prison outfits for motorbike gangs

Members of criminal gangs could be forced to wear "embarrassing" bright pink overalls in prison under a plan being considered by an Australian state as it cracks down on outlaw motorcyclists.

Queensland police minister Jack Dempsey said he was thinking about replacing the olive green clothing with something which made the prisoners stand out more, with fluorescent pink in his sights.

State premier Campbell Newman said hot pink prison uniforms, used in parts of the United States, were a great idea for incarcerated members of gangs.

"They are bullies. They like to wear scary looking gear, leather jackets, they have the tattoos, they have their colours," he said. "We know that telling them to wear pink is going to be embarrassing for them."

Queensland last week passed tough laws to combat outlaw motorcycle gangs as authorities seek to destroy what they describe as "criminal organisations" that have become a growing menace across the country with links to drugs and guns.

Under the legislation, which names gangs such as the Bandidos, Hells Angels, Rebels and the Finks as criminal organisations, members face having 15 years added to any prison term, while authorities will have the power to destroy motorcycles.