Victoria has introduced stringent new bail legislation in state parliament, with immediate effect for the first phase of reforms. The initial stage emphasises that remand should now be a “last resort” specifically for youth offenders. This foundational change ensures that community safety is prioritised in bail decisions, redirecting the previous framework which relied heavily on remand for young individuals.
Key components of the new bail laws include the introduction of specific bail offences, such as committing an indictable offence while on bail and breaching bail conditions. Each of these violations carries penalties of up to three months in prison, in addition to any other sentences for crimes committed during that time.
Moreover, the new rules allow police to take individuals arrested for bail breaches directly to court, bypassing the need for a bail justice process, thereby expediting the response from law enforcement in such situations. Justice Minister Allan has confirmed that the modifications are manageable within the current judicial framework and expressed urgency in passing these laws through parliament, highlighting that they will be enacted once approved.
The government is also preparing for potential increases in the number of offenders placed on remand by initiating a recruitment campaign for corrections and youth justice personnel.
The second phase of the legislation is planned for mid-year, which will introduce a rigorous new bail assessment for serious, repeat offenders. Furthermore, regulations categorising machetes as prohibited weapons are set to come into force on September 1, with violators facing severe penalties, including potential imprisonment for up to two years or hefty fines exceeding $47,000.
Overall, these new bail laws represent a significant tightening of practices in Victoria, reflecting an ongoing commitment to enhancing community safety and addressing unlawful behaviour among youth and repeat offenders.