‘One strike and you’re out’

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has revealed an elected Liberal government will make sweeping changes to Victoria’s bail system to stop violent offenders being released onto the streets.

“Victoria’s bail system is broken and we need significant legal and cultural change. If Daniel Andrews won’t make the changes needed to protect the community, then the Liberals will,” Ms McLeish said.

Ms McLeish said changes to bail laws announced by Opposition Leader Matthew Guy will include the presumption of remand for people charged with violent offences.

“Community expectation is that people accused of violent offences should not be put straight back out onto our streets,” Ms McLeish said.

The Liberals will also adopt a ‘one strike and you’re out’ policy for anyone breaching bail.

“If you are on bail and you breach the conditions of bail, you forfeit that privilege and face remand. For too long, breaching bail has carried no consequences,” Ms McLeish said.

The offence of breaching bail by juveniles will also be reinstated.

“Daniel Andrews weakened our laws in 2016 by allowing young offenders back onto the streets. There are multiple instances where young offenders have committed serious crimes whilst on bail since that change.” Ms McLeish said.

“With Daniel Andrews as Premier, violent offenders have no fear of the consequences of their actions because they know they will soon be walking the streets again.”

“Our response is very simple to understand. No more second chances. No more excuses,” Ms McLeish concluded.