RPP FM reports that the Peninsula Community Legal Centre (PCLC) has backed the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) in condemning the Victorian Government’s proposed bail reform changes, arguing that the reforms require further scrutiny before being enacted.

PCLC has cited an open letter submitted by VALS, which calls for a statutory review of the proposed reforms. The letter emphasises that the current bail laws underwent five years of careful consultation before being implemented and have only been in effect for 11 months. VALS cautions that making changes prematurely could undermine the progress made in ensuring a fairer justice system.

A key concern raised in the letter is the potential impact of the changes on Aboriginal communities. VALS argues that additional support measures should be prioritised to prevent the over-criminalisation of Aboriginal people, rather than rushing into further legislative amendments. The organisation also stressed the importance of waiting until the new youth justice system is fully operational before considering further reforms.

The proposed changes to the state’s bail laws come as the Victorian Government continues its efforts to balance community safety with concerns about over-incarceration. However, legal and advocacy groups like VALS and PCLC insist that any reforms must be evidence-based and carefully assessed to avoid unintended consequences for vulnerable communities.

The Victorian Government has yet to respond to the concerns raised by VALS and its supporters.

This story was originally reported by RPP FM and repurposed by STPL News with permission.