Tuesday, 17 June 2025

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:06): In our government we believe in keeping the community safe. That is the priority of our government, which is why we have introduced the toughest bail laws in the country. It is why we have youth offenders –

Members interjecting.

Jacinta ALLAN: And I am grateful for the opportunity to once again remind the house that they were opposed by those opposite. It is why high-risk youth offenders are now being tracked with electronic monitoring. It is why – I will repeat – high-risk youth offenders are now being tracked with electronic monitoring. It is why we are introducing Australia’s first machete ban, banning machetes from our streets, taking these dangerous weapons out of the hands of violent offenders. And today it is why we are also introducing new laws that target those who commit those serious crimes and then post about them online.

This is a trend that we have seen emerge in recent years. It is dangerous; it is also disgusting. It not only puts lives at risk but, thinking of the victim and how they are retraumatised long after the crime has taken place, spreads fear, encourages copycat behaviour and turns criminal acts into some sort of twisted form of status. It is calculated and it is harmful, and that is why we are putting a stop to it, making it a criminal offence for offenders to promote or glorify their crimes online. I will say this very clearly: if you commit an offence and post it to boast, you will face extra jail time on top of the original penalty.

We believe in respect, responsibility and a system that stands with victims. Victorians have every right to feel safe on their streets and in their homes, and we will strengthen the laws to ensure this happens.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Before I call the Leader of the Opposition, I acknowledge in the gallery former member for Pascoe Vale and minister Christine Campbell. Welcome back.