Premier Jacinta Allan has announced a major overhaul of the state’s bail laws, introducing the toughest set of bail conditions in Australia. The new measures aim to prioritise community safety, crack down on repeat offenders, and close loopholes that have allowed criminals to reoffend while out on bail.
Premier Allan, Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, and Minister for Police Anthony Carbines unveiled the sweeping reforms, vowing to put public safety above all other considerations in bail decisions. The first Tough Bail Bill is set to be introduced into Parliament next Tuesday, marking the beginning of an aggressive crackdown on crime.
Premier Jacinta Allan told The Australia Today, “The Indian community has been impacted by crime, and we are taking action.”
“We’re introducing the toughest bail laws in Australia to keep Victorians safe. Our tough new bail laws will put community safety first.”
“Respect for the law matters. Repeat offenders will have real consequences, including a second-strike rule. Stronger laws mean safer communities.”
“We will continue working with the Indian community to deliver real results because when we work together, we are stronger, and we get things done.”
Premier added.
The new laws will impose stricter bail tests for serious offenders, introduce new offences for breaching bail conditions, and eliminate the current principle of remand as a ‘last resort’ for youth offenders.
Community Safety Above All
Under the proposed changes, community safety will become the highest priority in all bail decisions. This means that bail decisions for both adults and juveniles will be made with the overarching principle that public safety comes first. The existing rule that prioritises keeping youth offenders out of remand unless absolutely necessary will be scrapped.
Premier Allan underscored the need for immediate action, stating,
“I have listened and I have acted. These tough bail laws will jolt the system: community safety above all, toughest bail laws ever, and consequences for breaking the rules.”
Tougher Bail Laws for Serious Crimes
The government has also introduced tougher bail restrictions for high-risk offences, ensuring that violent criminals face greater scrutiny before being granted bail.
- Stronger bail tests for serious crimes: Offences such as serious gun-related crimes, arson, machete violence, and knife-related offences will now require stricter bail conditions.
- Home invasions and carjackings to face tougher tests: Previously, non-aggravated home invasion and carjacking offences had lower bail requirements. Under the new laws, these offences will face the same strict bail tests as aggravated versions of the crime.
- The toughest bail test ever: Repeat offenders who commit serious crimes while on bail will face an almost insurmountable hurdle. If an individual is accused of a serious offence while already out on bail for a similar crime, they will only be granted bail if there is a ‘high degree of probability’ that they will not reoffend.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said,
“These laws are targeted squarely at the risks of young people committing serious crimes while out on bail.”
Respect for the Rules: New Offences for Bail Breaches
To restore faith in the bail system and ensure compliance with conditions, the new laws will introduce penalties for offenders who disregard their bail terms.
- New offence for committing a crime while on bail: Any individual who commits an indictable offence while already on bail will face immediate consequences. Under the new second-strike rule, repeat offenders will need to prove ‘compelling reasons’ to be granted bail.
- New penalties for breaching bail conditions: Violating bail conditions, such as missing curfew or failing to report, will now be classified as a summary offence. Although these breaches won’t automatically lead to stricter bail tests, they will be factored into future bail decisions.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said, “We’re delivering tough new bail laws and we’re backing our hardworking frontline police – ensuring they continue to have what they need to keep our community safe.”
Machete Ban and Policing Reforms
Alongside the bail reforms, the government has announced a complete ban on machetes in Victoria. The weapons will be classified as prohibited items, with limited exemptions for legitimate use. More details on the ban and its implementation are expected in the coming days.
The government is also backing Victoria Police with increased resources, a pay rise for officers, and electronic monitoring for young offenders. Additional reforms are being implemented to strengthen bail supervision, expand job and support pathways for at-risk youth, and improve access to treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Victoria’s bail reforms come in response to a growing crime wave, particularly among young repeat offenders. Recent statistics show that males in their mid-to-late teens account for 64% of all aggravated burglary offences in the state, with many of these crimes committed by individuals already on bail.
With the introduction of these new measures, Victoria is set to have the toughest bail laws in Australia, significantly reducing the likelihood of repeat offences and ensuring that community safety remains the primary concern in judicial decisions.
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