Government backdown on bail

Shadow Attorney General, John Pesutto

The incredible admission this morning from Attorney General Martin Pakula that the Andrews Labor Government is now seeking the advice of Victoria Police to fix this Government’s botched changes to bail laws, comes only 24 hours after Mr Pakula claimed that Police supported the changes.

The Coalition warned the Andrews Government last year not to weaken Victoria’s bail laws and moved amendments to stop bail laws being weakened.

Instead, the Andrews Government rejected the Coalition amendments and opted for a soft on crime approach to bail allows Apex gang members and the like to breach their bail without ever being charged.

The first responsibility of any government is to protect its citizens.

The Apex gang and other violent offenders need to be tackled with strong laws and more frontline police. Daniel Andrews has failed on both counts.

Flip-flopping on important law and order challenges like sentencing and bail will give Victorians more reason to doubt Daniel Andrews is capable of keeping our community safe.

Media contact:   Michael Lewis               0433 495 454         michael.lewis@opposition.vic.gov.au