The passage of a bill through the Victorian Parliament last week introduced bail reforms that are still weaker than those from 12 months ago, and the legislation only rolls back elements of the Allan Labor Government’s previous weakening of the law.
The Labor Government previously blocked bills from the Victorian Liberals and Nationals to strengthen bail laws, only acting as the Premier’s polling numbers plummeted.
Crime is on the rise across the state with repeat offenders continually committing criminal offences while on bail.
Over the 12 months to December 2024, criminal incidents increased by 19.7 per cent across Greater Shepparton.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, said the government needed to do more to improve community safety.
“The government has continually dragged its feet with crime on the rise right across our region and Victoria,” she said.
“Last week in Parliament, the Labor Government continued their soft and slow approach to crime and are failing locals who are living in fear, with home invasions, domestic violence, assaults and robbery all on the rise.
“People should have confidence that they are safe at home, as they move throughout the community, but sadly, that’s no longer the case under Labor’s weak policies.”
Despite claiming the new bail laws were the toughest in the nation, gaping holes remain in the Labor Government’s new legislation.
“Under the new laws, offenders under 18 won’t face criminal sanctions for breaching bail conditions despite a huge rise in youth crime over the past year.
“Even burglary and robbery are not listed as Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 offences, meaning the presumption of bail remains virtually unchallenged in these circumstances.
“We have had many businesses that have had to constantly face their premises being broken into with little consequences.”
Recent reports have also indicated that Victoria Police has been directed to cut $2 billion from their budget over the next four years.
“The police are already telling us that they are under resourced, and there are over 1,000 vacancies in the police force,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The Labor Government is all about cost cutting and not supporting our police or community safety.
“Labor can’t manage Victoria’s crime crisis, can’t manage bail laws, and Victorians are paying the price.”
