This joint open letter from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, community services, family violence and legal sectors opposes the suite of Victorian Parliament bail law changes. It argues the changes will lead to greater criminalisation of Aboriginal communities and other marginalised communities. 

Key recommendations

• Do not amend bail laws for children or adults until a full statutory review can take place in 2026 that considers longitudinal data and assesses the systemic impact of Victoria’s bail laws.
• Immediately make further investment in therapeutic bail support options, which will improve community safety.
• Expand the jurisdiction of the Koori Court to hear bail applications.  
• Ensure any amendments to existing bail laws do not prevent children and young people from accessing therapeutic and rehabilitative supports within the community.
• Invest in intensive bail supervision and supports, including Aboriginal led models, to support alleged offenders to successfully fulfil their bail conditions and address the causes of their offending.