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Fragment    Next Fragment Wednesday, 24 June 2009 Page: 6964  Mr
McCLELLAND (Attorney-General) (10:32 AM) —I move:  That this
bill be now read a second time.  General introduction  Organised
crime affects many areas of social and economic activity,
inflicting substantial harm on the community, business and
government.  It has been estimated to cost the Australian
economy at least $15 billion each year. That is not $15 million;
it is an estimated cost to the Australian economy of at least
$15 billion each year.  In his inaugural national security
statement, the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, gave an
assurance that the government would act to address the threat
posed by organised criminal activity. The Crimes Legislation
Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Bill 2009 delivers on
that assurance.  The security of Australia is the government’s
highest priority, and maintaining that security and the sa