Mark Speakman SC MP
Leader of the NSW Opposition
The NSW Opposition is calling on the NSW Labor Government to consider urgent bail reforms when Cabinet meets today.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Liberals and Nationals are urging immediate action to implement commonsense bail reform.
"The Opposition has put forward three measures that will improve safety for women who are victims of family and domestic violence," Mr Speakman said.
"The Government's response needs to be holistic and far broader than just bail reform, but this is a good starting point."
"The NSW Labor Government can consider our proposals today, which address violence against women, improve protection for victims and survivors of domestic violence and enhance community safety."
The NSW Opposition has proposed a three-point initial bail reform response:
1. Expanded use of electronic monitoring devices to bail on serious domestic violence charges.
2. Expanding grounds for staying the granting of bail for serious personal violence charges.
3. Removal of the power for registrars to determine bail for serious personal violence charges where bail is opposed, given the widespread audio-visual capacity across our courthouses enabling magistrates to make orders from centralised locations if necessary.
The Opposition will consult on the initial three-point plan and on any other measures which are suggested to be appropriate.
"The NSW Opposition is committed to working constructively across the Parliament to ensure meaningful action is taken to reduce and prevent domestic and family violence across our state," Mr Speakman concluded.
