By Aneeka Simonis
YOUTHS who continue to seriously offend while out on bail may be publicly named and refused bail as part of a controversial State Opposition policy targeted squarely at gangs including Apex.
Under 18s facing criminal charges cannot be named under current laws, however the Opposition has announced it will release their so-called ‘name and shame’ policy in the interest of the public and their “right to know” in the next six months.
Juvenile offenders would also lose the right to request bail and be automatically remanded for repeat offending.
However, the Minister for Police Lisa Neville and police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton have flagged concerns with the proposal, suggesting some young offenders thrive on notoriety, and naming them might further fuel their criminal behaviour.
“These young offenders enjoy the notoriety of their offending and the evidence suggests that ’naming and shaming’ them would not be a deterrence, but would actually encourage more offending,” Ms Neville said.
“We need to make sure that any interventions are reducing crime, not increasing it.”
Shadow Attorney-General John Pesutto MP said the Opposition was yet to work through the detail, but suggested offenders from the age of 16 who committed serious offences twice or more while on bail would be subject to the policy.
It proposes to give the courts the power to identify the youth, and refuse bail.
“These are older youths who are expected to know full well the difference between violent wrongdoings and other acts,” he said.
Earlier this year, the government softened its youth bail laws so minors who breached bail conditions would not be penalised.
“We want to stop the revolving door of justice which sees this type of offender out committing home invasions and carjacking get bail only to breach it again,” Mr Pesutto said.
In Cardinia Shire, aggravated burglary rates have almost tripled in the past year.
The area was hit with a huge 166 per cent increase in home invasions, with 80 offences recorded this period compared with 30 in the last.
The increase is hugely disproportionate to that experienced by the rest of Victoria, recording hikes more than four times the rate state-wide.
The State Government currently has legislation before parliament which seeks to ensure young offenders who commit home invasions and carjackings are refused bail and face longer fail terms.
“We currently have more young people on remand than ever because of police cracking down on this serious offending,” Ms Neville said.
The Opposition is yet to formally discuss its policy with the courts.
