The Victorian Labor Government has expanded the state’s court and bail system as part of its push to strengthen community safety and ensure offenders face quicker justice outcomes.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said Victorians expect safety to come first and the government is responding with stronger laws and improved court systems.
“Our tougher bail laws are working and we’re backing our courts with more resources to make sure offenders are held to account sooner.”
More offenders are being remanded in custody, with bail refusals and revocations reportedly at record highs under the government’s tougher bail settings.
As part of the reforms, Remote Custody Courts (RCCs) will be expanded to Geelong, Broadmeadows, Dandenong and Ringwood. The courts allow bail applications and guilty pleas to be heard entirely online, with accused persons appearing directly from police custody or prison.
The government says the model is designed to speed up court proceedings, reduce delays, free up physical courtrooms, and bring matters before the courts sooner.
An additional Bail and Remand Court (BaRC) has also been established at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. It will operate seven days a week until 9pm, including Saturdays and public holidays, to ensure people arrested outside normal hours can be dealt with more quickly.
The expansion is supported by seven additional magistrates announced late last year, along with extra registry staff to help the system manage increased demand.
The government says it has introduced some of the nation’s toughest bail laws, including measures aimed at ensuring community safety is prioritised. It has also highlighted the introduction of Adult Time for Violent Crime laws, which impose stricter consequences for serious offences.
According to the government, recent crime data shows youth crime has fallen by six per cent, which it attributes to stronger laws and increased court capacity.
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