Overview

• Victoria's parliament has passed sweeping bail law reforms, described as the toughest in Australia, following a marathon sitting late into Thursday night.
• The new laws shift the focus from remand as a 'last resort' to prioritizing community safety when deciding bail for both youth and adult offenders.
• Stricter bail tests are introduced for serious offences such as aggravated burglary, home invasions, and knife crimes, with delayed implementation for some provisions.
• Advocacy and legal groups warn the changes will disproportionately harm Aboriginal and marginalized communities, reversing reforms made after the inquest into Veronica Nelson's death in custody.
• The legislation comes as crime rates in Victoria rise by 13.2%, with youth offences reaching their highest levels since 1993, prompting support from Victoria Police.