Queensland crime victims back tougher bail laws in new hearings
A Queensland parliamentary committee heard from about 120 people. They spoke about proposed changes to bail laws.
The committee held hearings across North and Far North Queensland to discuss the state government's bill to tighten bail conditions. The bill requires courts to be satisfied to a high degree of confidence that an accused will not reoffend before granting bail on serious charges.
It also creates a new offence for committing a serious crime while on bail, with mandatory twelve months in prison. Crime victims told the committee of repeated break-ins, vandalism, and fear.
Softball officials said they were exhausted after constant break-ins and vandalism at their Edmonton sporting complex. However, legal experts and former inmates warned the laws could strain an already overburdened justice system and might fail to address root causes of reoffending.
Former inmate Tahlia Isaac told the committee that stronger sentences alone do not change behaviour. Rehabilitation support does.
The committee will now prepare a report for parliament.
- about 120 people
- Attendees at hearings
- 12 months
- Mandatory prison for crime on bail
- Cairns, Mareeba, Townsville
- Hearing locations
- FNQ Softball Edmonton sporting complex
- Affected venue
Why it mattersThe bill affects how courts decide who gets bail. It also affects what happens to people who reoffend while released. This shapes criminal justice and victim safety across Queensland.
AustraliaIf passed, this law will tighten bail conditions and mandatory prison time in Queensland, directly affecting crime rates, court workload, and how victims experience the justice system.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 h ago
