Key Points
- Victoria’s tough new bail laws make obtaining bail more difficult and introduce the offence of ‘committing an indictable offence while on bail’.
- State Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the impact of crime on the Indian community.
- The recorded offence rate in Victoria increased by 13.2 per cent to 8,691.6 per 100,000 people in the year to December 2024, the Crime Statistics Agency said.
“I could not get out of bed for months after that incident. What the police told me at the time was that those kids were already on parole.”
Melbourne-based Poonam Singh works in the public transport industry as a bus driver. Credit: Supplied by Poonam Singh
Singh said she supported the introduction of tougher bail laws which will impose serious consequences for repeat offenders and make bail more difficult to obtain.
“Even though the incident happened five years ago, I still feel a chill. It doesn’t feel safe at all — this isn’t the Australia I knew when I arrived almost 20 years ago.”
Security guards seen in Melbourne. (Representative image) Source: AAP / CON CHRONIS/AAPIMAGE
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the impact on the diaspora while unveiling the new bail reforms.
Nagesh Joshi, who runs a West Melbourne senior citizen group, praised the premier for recognising crime’s impact on the community.
Nagesh Joshi runs a senior citizen group in West Melbourne. Credit: Supplied by Nagesh Joshi
Joshi, whose house was allegedly burgled in 2010, said, “The premier is spot on in saying the Indian community has been impacted as it is a known fact that they (Indians) keep jewellery at home.”
On the other hand, Vasan Srinivasan, President of the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV), argues the premier’s comments are an effort woo the Indian community.
“It’s not only the Indian community, but the entire Victorian community deserves to feel safe and follow the law.”
‘Toughest bail laws in Australia’
“I have listened to victims of crime and Victorians, and I have acted. These are the toughest bail laws in the country – putting community safety above all and delivering consequences for those who break the law,” Allan said.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan looks at a display of machete’s during an announcement at Victoria Police Headquarters in Melbourne, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE
Under the new changes, it will also no longer be necessary to consider remand as a ‘last resort’ for a child and there will be consequences for those who do not respect the rules of bail.
‘Careful approach needed’
“We can’t create laws in just 10 days. The government must consider prison and court infrastructure to ensure proper implementation. Rushed decisions could lead to later withdrawals, which would undermine their effectiveness,” Rudra said.
Pallini Rudra, a Melbourne-based legal expert. Credit: Supplied by Pallini Rudra
She further said that a crucial aspect of these laws would be clearly defining “repeat offenders”.
Vasan also stressed that the implementation of such laws should be approached carefully to avoid them becoming “draconian”.
Vasan Srinivasan, President of Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV). Credit: Supplied by Vasan
“I believe these kids (teenagers) are dealing with mental health issues, and what they truly need is rehabilitation,” he said.
“However, I believe that with the right guidance, these youngsters can build better lives and secure a brighter future.”
Criminal incidents on the rise in Victoria in the last 12 months
The agency said the main drivers of the increase were ‘theft’ offences, which were up 51,248 to 225,958 offences and ‘steal from motor vehicle’ offences, which were up 18,929 to 75,731 offences in the last 12 months.
