Everyone who has a tattoo is a thug. Or at least that is the message blaring out of the new Tattoo Parlours Act 2012, approved by the Australian
Government a few months ago.
Coming into effect at the end of the year, all those inking face fresh new discriminatory laws forcing them to apply for a tattooing licence. Sounds fair enough at first; just one more licence in a whole list of others. And after all, the licence has to be obtained from NSW Fair Trading, and who can say fairer than that? But, take a closer look at the Act and it is riddled with stereotype.
Clause 13 demands the applicant consent to having their finger and palm prints taken. Apparently, going beyond passports or driver’s licences to confirm the individual’s identity is perfectly fine, because you can ask the authorities to, pretty please, destroy copies once you cease trading.
But until then: “Any fingerprints or palm prints obtained from an applicant in accordance with this section who is granted a licence may be used by the Commissioner for any purpose that the Commissioner sees fit.”
The surge of power implied for those in charge is exceptional, especially when they already have it in bucket loads. Take the example from a few weeks ago, when NSW Police burst through the doors of Sydney tattoo parlours, together with their cronies: NSW Fair Trading, the Gangs Squad’s Strike Force Raptor and the Police Dog Unit.
Targeting tattoo parlours in Kings Cross (surprise, surprise), Newtown and all over the CBD, the teams aimed to sniff out drugs and other criminal activity, as well as politely inform workers of the new licencing law. The fruits of their labour somewhat paid off as they warned Hells Angels members – standing outside the parlour – for consorting and issued one tattooist with three court orders… over charges relating to a car stop conducted by police last month.
If this isn’t enough to make you think they should just rename it “The Anti-Bikies Act 2012,” take a look at the part which may as well ask tattoo artists for a list of their Facebook friends.
“Clause 12 requires an applicant for an operator licence to provide a statement with his or her application setting out certain information about the applicant’s close associates.”
Of course, exempt from this are Australia’s suppliers of beautiful. Cosmetic tattooists will not be required to apply for a licence. Pity really, chances are they will have prettier Facebook friends…
