Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced an overhaul of Victoria‘s bail laws after Friday’s attack on Bourke St in Melbourne, which left five people dead and more than 30 injured. The attack was perpetrated by Dimitrious “Jimmy” Gargasoulas, who was bailed for domestic violence offences against the advice of police.
.@DanielAndrewsMP has announced major changes to Vic bail laws, saying no expense will be spared to “get this right” https://t.co/KMRFoEV9Zc
— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) January 22, 2017
The changes announced include introducing an after-hours magistrates court so bail cases can be heard on weekend and outside of normal hours, and ensuring that serious cases are heard by a magistrate and not a bail judge.
Andrews announced that work had already begun on making this happen, and that on-demand magistrates would be available to police very soon.
Aside from the immediately implemented changes, Andrews also announced a wide review of Victoria’s bail laws, headed by a former director of public prosecutions, Paul Coghlan. The review will attempt to determine the best way to balance community safety with the presumption of innocence.
Andrews confirmed that reform is on the table:
Nothing will be off the table. Nothing will be off limits. This will be a full examination with the provision of urgent advice which will be provided to the government by 3 April for legislative change, for reform, for the sort of reform that has to be made to keep Victorians safe and the sort of change that we owe these victims and their families.
Gargasoulas has received surgery for bullet injuries he sustained during an altercation with police, but has yet to be interviewed. It is suspected that he will face multiple murder charges.
Source: The Guardian.
Photo: Getty Images.
