Victoria bail law changes are putting strain on the state prison system
Tighter bail laws passed last year in Victoria have driven a rapid increase in the state's prison population. Critics say the rules should be reviewed after a high-profile death in custody.
Victoria Corrections Commissioner Larissa Strong told the ABC in a written statement: "Bed capacity in the system has reached 113%; we are using three facilities for temporary accommodation". The state prison population rose 18% over the past 12 months to 8,240.
Victoria Legal Aid director Louise Glanville said: "The bail tightening is disproportionately affecting Aboriginal women and Indigenous adults". The Indigenous share of the prison population rose from 11% to 14%.
Victoria Justice Minister Anthony Carbines told parliament: "Judge Stephen Charles QC will conduct an independent review of the legislation; his report is due in September". The state budget has requested an additional A$480 million for prison capacity. Not investment advice.
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