After blocking attempts by the Victorian Nationals and Liberals to strengthen the state’s bail laws, Premier Jacinta Allan has performed a stunning backflip by admitting Labor’s weakened bail laws have compromised community safety.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said repeat offenders had been allowed to run rampant for far too long – breaking into homes, terrorising communities, and committing serious assault – only to be bailed and allowed to offend again.
“This stunning backflip is a knee-jerk reaction to plummeting polls for Labor, and by-elections in Werribee and Prahran last weekend,” Ms Broad said.
“Even with the admission that more needs to be done to strengthen bail laws, Jacinta Allan has only committed to a review.
“We don’t need a review – we need tougher bail laws now to protect the community. Our community does not feel safe and we need to see action.
“For years, victims of crime and law-abiding citizens have been let down by a government that refuses to take their safety seriously. Time and time again, the Andrews and now Allan governments have prioritised soft-on-crime policies over real justice,” she said.
“The government cannot continue to drag its feet on this issue while innocent Victorians are living in fear.”
Ms Broad said the Nationals would continue to push for reforms to ensure that violent and repeat offenders were not given a free pass to continue their crimes.
“Enough is enough. Victorians deserve a government that prioritises their safety, not one that waits for a political crisis before acknowledging what the community has been saying for years. Labor must act now—not after another review, not after another crime, but now.”
Ms Broad raised these matters during the first sitting of Parliament, and you can view the Hansard:
Question 1354 – Greater Bendigo crime prevention (Adjournment Matters) – Parliament of Victoria
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
