Victoria Announces Toughest Bail Laws in Australia and Machete Ban

The reforms prioritize community safety, restrict bail for serious offenses, and introduce stricter measures for youth offenders.

Victoria's government has introduced sweeping bail law reforms, making community safety the primary consideration in bail decisions for both adults and youth offenders.
The new laws reintroduce offenses for breaching bail conditions and committing serious crimes while on bail, reversing previous changes made in 2024.
Youth offenders accused of serious crimes will now face tougher bail restrictions, with courts no longer required to treat custody as a last resort.
Machetes will be banned as prohibited weapons, with limited exemptions for legitimate use, following a rise in violent incidents involving the weapon.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable communities and the risk of perpetuating cycles of crime, while others demand stronger support services to address root causes of criminal behavior.