The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) strongly supports the ACT Government’s Discussion Paper on the Review of Decision-Making Criteria in the Bail Act 1992, released today (5 May 2025).
The AFPA commends the proposed reforms, which aim to modernise bail laws, enhance community safety, and provide more precise guidance for decision-makers while respecting the rights of victims and the accused.
The AFPA supports the ACT Attorney-General Tara Cheyne in wanting to increase public confidence in the justice system, to reduce recidivism rates and to address the disproportionate incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Discussion Paper addresses critical issues in the current bail framework, including the need for more precise criteria, improved victim protections, and considerations for systemic factors such as the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the justice system.
The AFPA particularly welcomes proposals to mandate consideration of police submissions and enhance the enforceability of bail conditions. These changes will empower judicial officers to better manage risks and ensure community safety.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said the proposed reforms seem to reflect a balanced approach prioritising community safety, victim rights, and fairness for the accused.
“By incorporating police insights and strengthening bail conditions, these changes will support our members in their critical role of upholding the law in the ACT.
“We are encouraged by the Attorney General’s commitment to reducing recidivism and addressing systemic challenges,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA extends its gratitude to Attorney-General Tara Cheyne for her proactive engagement and consultation with the AFPA throughout the development of the Discussion Paper.
Mr Caruana said the AFPA thanks the Attorney-General for her collaborative approach and for valuing the perspectives of the AFPA and our members, who deal with bail-related matters daily.
“The AFPA looks forward to working closely with her and her office as bail reform in the ACT moves forward.”
The AFPA encourages all stakeholders to participate in the consultation process, which will be open until 13 June 2025, to ensure the reforms reflect the needs of the community and the justice system.
The Association is committed to supporting the development of legislation that strengthens the ACT’s bail framework, builds public confidence, and contributes to safer communities.
Media Contact: AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) strongly supports the ACT Government’s Discussion Paper on the Review of Decision-Making Criteria in the Bail Act 1992, released today (5 May 2025).
The AFPA commends the proposed reforms, which aim to modernise bail laws, enhance community safety, and provide more precise guidance for decision-makers while respecting the rights of victims and the accused.
The AFPA supports the ACT Attorney-General Tara Cheyne in wanting to increase public confidence in the justice system, to reduce recidivism rates and to address the disproportionate incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Discussion Paper addresses critical issues in the current bail framework, including the need for more precise criteria, improved victim protections, and considerations for systemic factors such as the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the justice system.
The AFPA particularly welcomes proposals to mandate consideration of police submissions and enhance the enforceability of bail conditions. These changes will empower judicial officers to better manage risks and ensure community safety.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said the proposed reforms seem to reflect a balanced approach prioritising community safety, victim rights, and fairness for the accused.
“By incorporating police insights and strengthening bail conditions, these changes will support our members in their critical role of upholding the law in the ACT.
“We are encouraged by the Attorney General’s commitment to reducing recidivism and addressing systemic challenges,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA extends its gratitude to Attorney-General Tara Cheyne for her proactive engagement and consultation with the AFPA throughout the development of the Discussion Paper.
Mr Caruana said the AFPA thanks the Attorney-General for her collaborative approach and for valuing the perspectives of the AFPA and our members, who deal with bail-related matters daily.
“The AFPA looks forward to working closely with her and her office as bail reform in the ACT moves forward.”
The AFPA encourages all stakeholders to participate in the consultation process, which will be open until 13 June 2025, to ensure the reforms reflect the needs of the community and the justice system.
The Association is committed to supporting the development of legislation that strengthens the ACT’s bail framework, builds public confidence, and contributes to safer communities.
Media Contact: AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
