Important amendments to the Bail Act 1977 came into effect on 25 March 2024. To assist judicial officers in navigating these changes, we are pleased to announce the release of three resources developed by the Judicial College of Victoria and the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
The first resource, "Section 3A bail considerations," provides a comprehensive overview of the significant factors now required for consideration when determining bail for an accused person who identifies as Aboriginal. This resource offers a high-level understanding of the key elements crucial in such cases.
The second resource, "Bail Act 1977: Track changed version," presents a track-changed version of the legislation, highlighting the newly incorporated sections. This document serves as a reference point, allowing you to quickly grasp the alterations made to the existing law.
Lastly, "Bail considerations for Aboriginal people" is a detailed guide provided to assist in cases where an Aboriginal individual seeks bail. This resource delves deeper into the specific considerations and nuances relevant to such scenarios, offering comprehensive guidance for judicial officers.
Note: The "Section 3A bail considerations" document and the "Bail Considerations for Aboriginal People" guide will be permanently available on both the Criminal law and procedure resources page and the First Nations resources page of the College website. Meanwhile, the "Bail Act 1977: Track changed version" will be exclusively accessible on the Criminal law and procedure resources page.