Wednesday, 9 September 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:22): My question is to the Premier. A Werribee father was slashed across the face by a youth offender who was on multiple counts of bail under his government’s weak bail laws. This was despite assaulting two police officers and committing other serious offences. Will the Premier apologise for failing to keep Victorians safe?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:23): First and foremost, my thoughts are with the victims of this terrible incident. The police minister and I met with the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police yesterday – every resource he needs. We will do everything we can to fight crime, and we will prevent crime as well.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, this question asked whether the Premier was sorry and would say sorry.

The SPEAKER: I cannot tell the Premier how to answer the question. He was being relevant.

James Newbury interjected.

The SPEAKER: Order! I ask you not to question my rulings, member for Brighton.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:23): How many more Victorians must be attacked by repeat offenders before the Premier admits Labor’s catch-and-release bail system is failing to keep Victorians safe?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:24): I have made it very clear that community safety is non-negotiable. For every Victorian, no matter where they shop, where they live or where they work, safety is our number one priority.