State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has weighed in on the debate around the Victoran Government’s crackdown on crime, calling its recent reforms to bail laws “measures for political convenience”.
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"Premier Allan’s sudden reversal on bail laws reveals a clear pattern of poor leadership," Mr McCurdy said.
“After weakening bail laws in 2023, she’s now scrambling to reintroduce tougher measures for political convenience.“
The government passed its latest bail laws on March 21.
Dubbed the “toughest bail laws in the country” by the government, the new laws mean that high-harm offences such as aggravated burglary and armed robbery will be less likely to attract bail, even on a first charge.
Mr McCurdy also flagged concerns over the government’s ban on machetes, which takes effect in September.
“Delaying this change until September is too long. Victorians need immediate action to keep their communities safe,” he said.
“These reactive policies are failing to deliver long-term solutions for community safety.
“We need strategic reforms that address the root causes of crime.”
Instead, Mr McCurdy said the National Party would continue to advocate for common-sense solutions that kept Victorians safe and ensured the justice system was fair, effective and focused on preventing repeat offending.
Premier Jacinta Allan said in a statement she had listened to victims of crime and Victorians, and acted.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele)
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DIEGO FEDELE
“These are the toughest bail laws in the country – putting community safety above all and delivering consequences for those who break the law,” Ms Allan said.
“These laws send the strongest possible message to offenders — clean your act up or face the consequences.”
