Bail laws are a crucial part of the justice system, balancing the rights of the accused with the need to protect the community.

When concerns about crime and public safety reach a tipping point, governments often face pressure to act decisively.

A significant shift in bail policy is set to take place—one that could reshape how the system handles repeat offenders and serious crimes.

Victoria was set to introduce what the state government called the ‘toughest bail laws in Australia’ following a surge in crime that placed mounting pressure on authorities to act.

Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed the reforms, stating they aimed to enhance community safety amid growing concerns over offences such as aggravated burglaries and car thefts.

‘We’re introducing the toughest bail laws in Australia to keep Victorians safe,’ she said on social media.

Victoria to enforce toughest bail laws yet. Image source: Pexel/RDNE Stock project

The changes would raise the threshold for bail approval in serious cases, making it significantly harder for repeat offenders to secure release.

Cabinet ministers convened on Tuesday to discuss the proposed reforms, which Allan said would restore ‘respect for bail—with consequences for breaking the rules.’

A review of the bail system was launched in early 2025 under the leadership of Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny and Police Minister Anthony Carbines.

Victoria’s bail laws had undergone several revisions in recent years, initially tightening in 2018 following the Bourke Street tragedy, where James Gargasoulas killed six people and injured dozens after driving into Melbourne’s busy mall while on bail.

However, these stricter measures later came under scrutiny, particularly after a coronial inquest into the 2020 death of Indigenous woman Veronica Nelson.

Nelson had been refused bail for breaching bail conditions and suspicion of shoplifting before she died in custody.

The inquest condemned the system as a ‘complete and unmitigated disaster,’ prompting legislative changes in March 2024 that made it easier for low-level offenders to secure bail.

As Victoria prepared for yet another shift in policy, the government emphasised that community safety would remain at the forefront of its decisions.

Watch how the Victorian government plans to crack down on youth crime and enforce the country’s toughest bail laws.

Tap the video below for the full story.

Source: Youtube/Sky News Australia​

Key Takeaways

• Victoria planned to introduce stricter bail laws, described as the ‘toughest in Australia,’ in response to rising crime rates and public pressure.
• The reforms aimed to make it harder for repeat offenders to secure bail, with Premier Jacinta Allan stating they would ‘restore respect for bail—with consequences for breaking the rules.’
• Previous bail law changes, including those implemented after the 2018 Bourke Street tragedy, had faced criticism, particularly following the 2020 death of Veronica Nelson in custody.
• The government emphasised that the latest reforms would prioritise community safety while addressing past issues in the justice system.

With Victoria set to introduce tougher bail laws, do you think these changes will effectively reduce crime, or will they create new challenges? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

 

[Luckyus]

Not before bloody time, The changes would raise the threshold for bail approval in serious cases, making it significantly harder for repeat offenders to secure release. There should be no bail for any bastard criminal.

 

[bluesbrother]

Gaol is just a training camp for organised crime.

 

[cheza1603]

Looks like Jacinta Allan has another Big Build on her hands.

A 10000 cell facility in the middle of the Mallee, with inmates fed entirely on a diet of pork products and all forms of religion prohibited.

Would that be a big enough deterrent to stop certain "members" of the community from offending?

Probably not!

 

[bombadier]

Still pathetic & no doubt another election promise that will get watered down anyway!

Jails are apparently full so send them to serve in military/navy for length of time that the jail sentence should be for such nasty crimes! Here recently locally in country Vic I saw acase where murderer was given 5yrs jail for their crime in 2006- what an absolute joke our justice system is, surely taking someone's life deserves a lot more than 5yrs - feel so sad & sorry for the victims family!

We the public all over Australia are well & truly sick of hearing the same old story

Do you really want them to have access to military style weapons, don't think so, agree on principle, but as I've said before, a labour program run under strict military training, cleaning, parks, roadworks, construction, etc.
Build a few more remand centres and jails in areas that need the employment , out west ,up north, country areas if the population agrees and needs it(consultation). Instead of reopening old outdated ones that don't fit purpose. Our police station is chockers every w/end, not just youth, even though primarily most are. At last the media are finally on board about the justice system, judges in particular,, they have to start listening to cops and public. Not gonna pat pollies on head they had thier chance's for long time.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Gallows, guillotines, electric chairs, lethal injections, firing squads....the list goes on as a solution to these miscreants!

 

[DLHM]

Gallows, guillotines, electric chairs, lethal injections, firing squads....the list goes on as a solution to these miscreants!

I’m in favour of capital punishment as long as the punishment fits the crime.

I agree with what @mylittletibbies suggested for young offenders. “Some type of bootcamp in the middle of nowhere, so they can't shoot through, with army style discipline would be better.”

There’s no clear cut answer, but victims’ needs and their families’ needs must be addressed first and foremost. They are the ones who suffer through no fault of their own.

 

[gbaerken]

Instead of offering some sensible solutions you are just making a political statement.

You may be right but so are they. What is wrong with pointing out where blame initially lies. The Governments have been far to lax for far too long, especially in regard to some race as they are frightened of being labelled, instead of doing the right thing for the people. Laws in regards to children are archaic and have been for more than 50 years, the young laugh and keep repeating their crime.