Victoria’s Government has reached a compromise to pass bail laws through State Parliament, that will include a review of the changes in two years’ time.
The state government has resisted pressure to amend their proposed bail law reforms after increased reporting on crimes allegedly committed whilst offenders are on bail.
The reforms are designed to address concerns current bail laws disproportionately affect sections of the community including Indigenous Australians.
On Tuesday Premier Daniel Andrews insisted he will push ahead with the plan, despite calls to do more to protect public safety.
“Yes, it won’t be the government that makes those bail reforms it’ll be the parliament,” Mr Andrews told reporters on Tuesday.
“We don’t have the numbers in the legislative council and it’ll be a matter for the parliament when it resumes in October to work through those proposed changes line by line and we’ll wait to see what the outcome is.”
Now Labor needs to back the Opposition’s two other amendments which will better protect Victorians and get the balance on bail right.
“We need higher bail thresholds for minors accused of serious violent crimes and higher bail thresholds for those already out on bail who commit a serious offence again.”
“It’s hubris to imagine that this time we are fixing the bail act once and for all, so there must be a review clause in this bill.”
The Victorian Government was contacted for comment but a spokesperson did not respond by the deadline.
The Bill will be debated and the amendments discussed when state parliament returns next month.
(SKY NEWS)
