Tuesday 18 March 2025
Statement from the Shadow Attorney-General
It is no wonder Labor’s Attorney-General was so reluctant to provide a copy of the Government’s bail changes.
The more you look, the weaker they get.
A Labor Government that has to use the word ‘tough’ in the title of a bail Bill is kidding itself … but it won’t kid Victorians.
Here is why Labor’s bail changes don’t do enough to keep Victorians safe:
- The so-called ‘toughest bail test’ for repeat serious offenders is not in the Bill. The Allan Labor Government has failed to deliver on this promise, now saying that any change will be delayed for months.
- The offence of ‘committing an indictable offence whilst on bail’ is being reinstated, but it will have no impact on raising the test for bail. Previously, a person charged with this offence faced an uplifted test to stay on bail. This is not in Labor’s Bill and any change will be delayed for months.
- The offence of ‘breaching bail conditions’ is being reinstated but in a weakened form, as contravention will not result in the offender facing a stronger bail test.
- People under 18 years face no criminal sanction for breaching bail conditions, undermining the reason why bail conditions are imposed.
- Serious offences including burglary and robbery are not listed as Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 offences, meaning alleged offenders receive a presumption of bail and the weakest test to receive it.
- Labor has refused to reverse its cuts to Court Services Victoria, including a $19.1 million cut this year and a $58 million cut in 2027-28, which are contributing to trial delays and seeing more alleged offenders offered bail.
The best that Labor can do with bail laws is come up with a Bill that has the word ‘tough’ in the title.
Victorians know that talking tough is no substitute for strong and smart bail changes that will put the safety of the community first.