Tuesday 4 February 2025
Safety of Victorians an afterthought in Labor’s humiliating bail backflip
After years of denying the problem, Premier Jacinta Allan has finally admitted that Labor’s weakening of bail laws has put community safety at risk – a humiliating backflip after repeatedly blocking the Liberal and Nationals’ attempts to strengthen bail laws.
Under Labor, violent offenders have been free to roam the streets, break into homes, and terrorise innocent Victorians – all while being released on bail time and time again. The Allan Government only now acknowledges the failure of its laws, not because it is serious about protecting Victorians, but because plummeting poll numbers have forced it into action.
Leader of the Opposition Brad Battin said Victorians have already paid the price for Labor’s failure to act.
“Enough is enough. We don’t need another review – we need to toughen bail laws now to protect the community,” Mr Battin said.
“Violent offenders who break into homes with machetes don’t belong on the street. They don’t deserve to be released from custody in record time, only to terrorise another family in their home.”
“Premier Allan failed to act when innocent Victorians were being killed by offenders out on bail, but now she wants a review because recent polls show her government is in trouble. This is a Premier who leads by political convenience, not by principle.”
Shadow Attorney-General Michael O’Brien said the Premier had been repeatedly warned about the consequences of her government’s decision to weaken bail laws.
“Premier Allan was warned that her weakening of bail laws would see repeat violent offenders remain on the streets and put Victorians’ safety at risk.
Tragically, her poor judgement has now cost lives. It should never have come to this.”
Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick reinforced the growing lawlessness under Labor’s weak bail laws.
“Even serious youth offenders see Premier Allan’s weak bail laws as a joke. Under Labor, Victoria has descended into a lawless state.”
“It’s about time we prioritise victims and their families, ensuring the safety of all Victorians.”
The Liberal and Nationals have been leading the charge against Labor’s weak bail laws and growing crime crisis. This humiliating backflip proves that Jacinta Allan and her government put politics ahead of protecting Victorians.