With crime on the rise across the state, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has finally admitted that her government’s soft on crime policies are not working, directing the Attorney-General and the Police Minister to review current bail laws.
Crime across the state continues to escalate with the criminal incident rate 12.5 per cent higher year on year over the most recent reporting period.
The latest data released by the Crime Statistics Agency shows that total criminal incidents increased by more than 16 per cent across Greater Shepparton in the year ending September 2024, and nearly 7 per cent across Moira over the same period.
Concerningly, repeat offenders are continually granted bail, leaving Victoria Police with their hands tied by weak bail laws.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, said action on bail reform is well overdue.
“The government has stood by as violent offenders and serious criminals are continually released on bail, creating fear in the community,” she said.
“Local businesses also frustrated with their premises continually being broken into causing property damage and theft.
“This government is so out of touch as they plod along announcing a so-called review, which they admitted will take months.
“This issue hasn’t appeared overnight and strengthening bail laws can be done very simply, without the need for another review.
“Addressing crime should be a priority. Victoria’s current bail laws are a joke and are putting the safety of people in our community at risk.”
“The time for reviews is over. Victorians want action and have the right to feel safe in their homes and in their community.”