Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Bail laws

Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (13:12): In the last two weeks there have been three violent incidents in the Latrobe Valley, two involving machetes, that have left the community shaken and asking questions about what it will take for this government to get serious on crime and bail penalties. Two weeks ago in broad daylight in the middle of the Traralgon shopping centre police apprehended a person wielding a machete as mothers and children watched on in horror. Yesterday a Morwell resident visited my office after a terrifying incident at his home where a man, again brandishing a machete, knocked on his front door and attempted to make entry. We all know the tragedy that unfolded in Bondi just a few weeks ago, and closer to home, the horrific alleged murder of beloved Dr Ashley Gordon.

With these types of violent crimes on the rise, the Labor government’s recent decision to weaken bail laws and abolish the offence of committing an indictable offence while on bail has come at the worst possible time. Our police are frustrated. They do their bit, keeping us safe, by getting violent offenders in front of the magistrate, all for them to receive not so much as a slap on the wrist and be back out on the streets the very same day. What will it take for this government to get serious on crime and bail penalties?