Victorian Opposition Proposes Tougher Bail and Sentencing Reforms
The Victorian opposition has announced a suite of proposed reforms to bail and sentencing laws, which it states would be implemented if it wins government in the state election scheduled for later this year. The proposals are presented as a response to legislative changes enacted by the current Labor government in 2023.
The Announcement
The opposition, comprising the Liberal and National parties, made the policy announcement on Wednesday morning. The proposed changes are conditional on the coalition winning the upcoming state election.
The Proposed Policy Changes
The opposition's proposed reforms consist of four key measures:
- Expanding the number of offences treated as adult crimes to include burglary, serious assault, and attempted murder.
- Introducing a "one-strike bail rule," under which offenders who reoffend would be automatically denied bail.
- Strengthening the offence of breach of bail.
- Extending breach of bail laws to youth offenders by removing an existing "youth exemption."
Background: The Government's 2023 Laws
The announcement follows the passage of new bail and sentencing laws by the Victorian government in 2023. The government has described these laws as the toughest in the country.
The 2023 government legislation included several measures, which were at times referred to as part of an "adult time for violent crime" bill.
These measures were:
- Removing remand in custody as a last resort for youth offenders.
- Introducing stricter bail tests for individuals who commit a crime while already on bail.
- Reclassifying home invasions and carjackings as more serious offences.
According to multiple sources, these government changes were released during a period of record high youth crime in the state.
The Opposition's Position
The opposition has stated that the government's 2023 changes to bail laws are insufficient.
In announcing their alternative policy, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson stated the proposed laws aim to "end Labor's crime crisis and keep Victorians safe."
"Labor's weak laws and revolving-door bail system are putting dangerous offenders back on the street and continuing the cycle of crime. The system must change."
Shadow Attorney-General James Newbury said, "The community's had enough. The community knows that the laws are too weak. The community also knows that the bail system isn't meeting community expectations."
He added, "We have announced a policy that expands the type of offences by which, if you behave badly, you will not get bail. If you are a criminal, you will end up in jail."
The Government's Stance
Premier Jacinta Allan has previously described the government's 2023 bail laws as the toughest in the country.