The Allan Labor Government has failed dismally to deliver the so-called “toughest bail laws in Australia” this week, according to The Nationals’ Member for Morwell Martin Cameron.
“Not only are these new bail laws not the toughest in the country, but they are not even as tough as the Victorian bail laws that were in place 12 months ago,” Mr Cameron said.
Under the new laws offenders under 18 years of age face no criminal sanction for breaching bail conditions, undermining the reason why bail conditions are imposed.
Serious offences including burglary and robbery are not listed as Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 offences, meaning alleged offenders receive a presumption of bail and the weakest test to receive it.
“I have been campaigning and petitioning for tighter bail laws with the Gordon family since the tragic death of their beloved Dr Ash, and every step of the way the Allan Labor Government has denied there is a problem,” Mr Cameron said.
“Yesterday marked 430 days since Ash’s death, and for every one of those 430 days the Gordon family has been crying out for the Premier to get tough on bail so that no family has to suffer the unimaginable grief and trauma they experience every day.
“The Gordon family has requested multiple meetings with the Premier, and she has refused every time.
“In announcing these bail laws, the Premier claimed she is “acting with urgency” because she has “listened to Victorians”, but she certainly hasn’t had the decency to listen to the Gordon family.
“There is no doubt in my mind the Premier’s backflip on bail is nothing but an act of self-preservation, and the only thing she is listening to are the polls.
“If the Premier was serious about prioritising the safety of Victorians, she would have taken real action when Dr Ash was senselessly killed 430 days ago.
“Labor can’t manage Victoria’s crime crisis, can’t manage bail laws, and Victorians are paying the price.”
