Despite the hysteria being whipped up by the Herald Sun & the police association, the new bail law changes that came in on Monday 2nd May will in no way prevent police dealing effectively with youth offenders. Bail breaches have consequences.
The changes get rid of the draconian once size fits all bail laws introduced under the previous government. In all this beat up lets nor forget that the new Victorian Crimes stats Agency has just released stats showing youth offending is on the decline.
Recent highlighted offending by a small cohort of young people needs to be treated seriously and effectively. The Bail changes will enable justice and police services to target their resources to areas of concern. The changes will also enable courts to respond to the offending of young people as they should -individually.
Ariel Couchman
Director, Youthlaw