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A Queensland parliamentary committee has completed regional hearings on proposed tougher bail laws, hearing from crime victims, legal experts and community organisations across Cairns, Mareeba and Townsville.
A Queensland parliamentary committee has completed a series of regional hearings examining proposed changes to the state's bail laws, with crime victims, legal professionals, former prisoners and community organisations giving evidence about the proposed reforms.
The hearings were held in Cairns, Mareeba and Townsville as part of the committee's consideration of the Queensland Government's proposed "Breach Bail, Go to Jail" legislation. The committee is now expected to prepare a report for Queensland Parliament.
The proposed legislation would change the requirements for granting bail in certain serious cases. Under the bill, courts would need to be satisfied to a high degree of confidence that an accused person would not commit another offence before bail could be granted in specified circumstances.
The proposed reforms would also introduce a new offence for committing a serious offence while on bail. The offence would carry a mandatory 12-month period of imprisonment if the relevant legal requirements were met.
During the regional hearings, a number of crime victims spoke about the personal impact of break-ins, property damage and other offences. Some told the committee they wanted stronger bail arrangements and believed repeat offenders should face greater restrictions.
Community organisations and legal experts raised different concerns about the proposed changes. Some argued that tougher bail requirements could place additional pressure on Queensland's already busy justice system, including courts, prisons and legal services.
Legal representatives also questioned whether some aspects of the proposed legislation could create unintended consequences for victims and witnesses. One concern raised during the hearings was that changes to offences and bail conditions could affect whether accused people choose to plead guilty or contest charges.
Other witnesses argued that rehabilitation and early intervention should form part of the government's response to crime. Former prisoners and organisations working with offenders told the committee that addressing factors contributing to offending could be important alongside changes to bail laws.
The committee also heard concerns about the possible effect of the proposed legislation on young people, particularly children experiencing unstable housing, disability or other difficulties. Some witnesses argued that the justice system should provide greater access to rehabilitation and support programs.
The hearings attracted around 120 people across the three regional locations. Their evidence will form part of the committee's consideration before it reports to Parliament.
The Queensland Government has indicated that it intends to pass the proposed legislation before the end of 2026. The committee's report will provide information to Parliament as debate over the proposed reforms continues.
The regional hearings demonstrate that there are different views about how Queensland should respond to serious and repeat offending. Crime victims and some community members have called for stronger measures, while legal and rehabilitation advocates have raised questions about the potential consequences of changes to bail requirements.
The committee has now completed its regional consultation process. Its next step is to consider the evidence received and prepare its report for Parliament.
BailCommitteeProposedQueenslandHearings
A Queensland parliamentary committee has completed a series of regional hearings examining proposed changes to the state's bail laws, with crime victims, legal professionals, former prisoners and community organisations giving evidence about the proposed reforms.
The hearings were held in Cairns, Mareeba and Townsville as part of the committee's consideration of the Queensland Government's proposed "Breach Bail, Go to Jail" legislation. The committee is now expected to prepare a report for Queensland Parliament.
The proposed legislation would change the requirements for granting bail in certain serious cases. Under the bill, courts would need to be satisfied to a high degree of confidence that an accused person would not commit another offence before bail could be granted in specified circumstances.
The proposed reforms would also introduce a new offence for committing a serious offence while on bail. The offence would carry a mandatory 12-month period of imprisonment if the relevant legal requirements were met.
During the regional hearings, a number of crime victims spoke about the personal impact of break-ins, property damage and other offences. Some told the committee they wanted stronger bail arrangements and believed repeat offenders should face greater restrictions.
Community organisations and legal experts raised different concerns about the proposed changes. Some argued that tougher bail requirements could place additional pressure on Queensland's already busy justice system, including courts, prisons and legal services.
Legal representatives also questioned whether some aspects of the proposed legislation could create unintended consequences for victims and witnesses. One concern raised during the hearings was that changes to offences and bail conditions could affect whether accused people choose to plead guilty or contest charges.
Other witnesses argued that rehabilitation and early intervention should form part of the government's response to crime. Former prisoners and organisations working with offenders told the committee that addressing factors contributing to offending could be important alongside changes to bail laws.
The committee also heard concerns about the possible effect of the proposed legislation on young people, particularly children experiencing unstable housing, disability or other difficulties. Some witnesses argued that the justice system should provide greater access to rehabilitation and support programs.
The hearings attracted around 120 people across the three regional locations. Their evidence will form part of the committee's consideration before it reports to Parliament.
The Queensland Government has indicated that it intends to pass the proposed legislation before the end of 2026. The committee's report will provide information to Parliament as debate over the proposed reforms continues.
The regional hearings demonstrate that there are different views about how Queensland should respond to serious and repeat offending. Crime victims and some community members have called for stronger measures, while legal and rehabilitation advocates have raised questions about the potential consequences of changes to bail requirements.
The committee has now completed its regional consultation process. Its next step is to consider the evidence received and prepare its report for Parliament.
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