The Victorian Government changed its bail laws in 2023, following recommendations from a coronial inquest into the death in custody of First Nations woman Veronica Nelson.

When he handed down his findings into Ms Nelson’s death in January 2023, Coroner Simon McGregor recommended sweeping changes to Victoria’s bail laws, calling the system a “complete and unmitigated disaster” and saying it led to “grossly disproportionate” rates of remand for First Nations women.

But less than a year after coming into effect, Premier Allan says the government made a mistake changing the laws and that they are now removing the principle of remand as a last resort – and that the Corrections system has capacity to cope with the increase in numbers.

‘Toughest laws in Australia’

“The combination of these changes will see the laws we are introducing, they’re the toughest laws in Australia.”

“It is effectively signing our death warrant.”

“We urge the Government to avoid politically driven reactions to complex issues.”

“We need solutions developed with us, not imposed on us.”

Federal intervention needed: Thorpe

“Locking up children has never worked.”

“I have been calling for strong national standards to force states and territories to follow the evidence instead of using children as political scapegoats.”