The Allan Labor Government has again refused to admit crime is out of control in regional Victoria despite mounting evidence that proves repeat offenders are still being released on bail.
In Question Time yesterday, The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, asked the Attorney General why Labor’s bail laws were continuing to fail Victorians.
When confronted with a recent example where an innocent driver from Churchill was hospitalised after being rammed by youths in a stolen vehicle, the Attorney General only offered “sympathy”.
While still in hospital receiving treatment, the victim was alerted to a public post on social media. One of the alleged offenders, who just hours earlier had allegedly hit the victim in a stolen vehicle, had posted and boasted about his exploits – he had been arrested and already released on bail.
Instead of addressing the issue, the Attorney General shamefully maintained that Labor’s two failed attempts at strengthening bails laws were “having a very meaningful impact”.
Mr Cameron said Labor’s repeated refusal to put the safety of Victorians ahead of the rights of recidivist offenders was a complete government failure.
“People are being injured, and some cases killed, by offenders on bail and instead of doing something about it this government offers sympathy,” Mr Cameron said.
“Communities in every corner of the state, people across the political divide, our police officers and our first responders – we have all had enough of Labor’s soft approach on crime.
“While Premier Allan cuts prevention programs and oversees weak bail laws, The Nationals and Liberals have a clear plan to restore community safety.
“The Safer Communities Plan will deliver tough new laws alongside practical prevention programs that will make a difference in every regional community, building on the Break Bail, Face Jail policy – ensuring there are consequences for all offenders.”
