Review of bail laws

The ACT Government has opened consultation on modernising and reforming the Bail Act 1992, last significantly amended in 2004.

Attorney-General Tara Cheyne MLA has released a discussion paper that proposes modernising the legislation to improve clarity and ensure decisions are based on the best available evidence.

Ms Cheyne said the paper did not imply current bail laws were flawed, but acknowledged that the law was “complex, difficult to follow, and will benefit from a review against the latest evidence and observations about how it is operating”.

The paper sets out a potential risk assessment framework that weighs the interests of victims, the accused, and the broader community. It also seeks feedback on what information decision-makers should consider when granting or refusing bail.

“The better informed the decision, the greater likelihood there is for persons who present the greatest risk to be managed appropriately, for detention to be limited where it is unnecessary, and for any conditions applied to someone released on bail to be appropriate for the circumstances and level of risk,” Ms Cheyne said.

Calls for reform have increased in recent years from police, victims’ advocates, and political opponents, particularly in response to serious offenders committing further crimes while on bail. In March, police and opposition leaders called for tighter bail conditions and tougher sentencing after officers were assaulted and a spate of youth crime committed by teenagers at large on bail or good behaviour orders.

Shadow police minister Deborah Morris MLA said: “It’s taken years of community outrage and pressure from the Canberra Liberals to drag the Attorney-General to look into bail law reform, although it’s concerning that at the outset the government has said the system is not flawed. […] We urge all Canberrans worried about their personal safety and property to engage with the Review and tell their story.”

The Australian Federal Police Association commended the proposed reforms.

“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,” president Alex Caruana said. “We are encouraged by the Attorney-General’s commitment to reducing recidivism and addressing systemic challenges.”

Feedback is open until Friday, 13 June at www.yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/bail-reform.

Poker machines

The ACT Government’s voluntary electronic gaming machine surrender program, which ended last week, has reduced the number of machines in the territory by almost 30 per cent, from 4,956 in 2018 to 3,494. The government aims to cut that number to 1,000 by 2045.

The $5.1 million program offered venues $15,000 for each gaming machine authorisation surrendered, or $20,000 per machine if they gave up all of them.

The Vikings Group and Canberra Southern Cross Club Group each gave up 40 machines, and the Canberra Raiders Sports Club Group gave up 38.

Two venues — the Statesman Hotel in Curtin and the Canberra Bowling Club in Forrest — went entirely pokie-free.

The Canberra Bowling Club used the funding to build a live music setup and an outdoor deck, as well as to review the club’s future.

“We are looking at how we make ourselves sustainable, and what sort of club we will be with alternatives to pokies and gambling,” president David Kimber said. “We recognise the need to build on our bowls-related revenue. The increased cash reserve creates opportunities that we might not otherwise have had to invest in new strategic directions and broaden our sources of revenue.”

Gaming reform minister Dr Marisa Paterson MLA commended the licensees that took part.

“This is a crucial step in diversifying their revenue streams away from a reliance on revenue from electronic gaming machines,” she said. “It’s especially pleasing to see some venues taking the opportunity to go pokie-free, providing great examples to the community and club sector that there is a strong future for clubs without machines.”

An independent inquiry into the future of the ACT clubs industry is underway, and will report early next year.

“The ACT Government remains committed to reducing gambling-related harm, and we will continue working with local clubs to build a sustainable industry — one that fosters community connections without depending on gambling revenue,” Dr Paterson said.

Flu vaccinations

Children aged six months to five years old can be vaccinated against influenza at free after-hours pop-up clinics in Belconnen, Gungahlin, central Canberra, Tuggeranong and Weston Creek.

“Respiratory viruses are more than just a cold and they can be far more serious than you think,” ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said. “Vaccinations are a safe and easy way to protect both yourself and the people in your community who are at risk, and now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment to visit our pop-up clinics.”

Parents and carers should book ahead through myDHR or by calling: 02 5124 9977, although walk-ins are also welcome.

The clinics are part of the ACT Government’s broader push to improve access to preventative healthcare.

ACT Early Childhood Immunisation Clinics, GPs and pharmacies also provide vaccinations.

Emergency services

David Dutton BM ASM will be the new Chief Officer of the ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS), beginning next week.

Mr Dutton began his career with ACTAS in 1996 as a student paramedic, and held several senior roles, including Deputy and Acting Chief Officer. He later served as Deputy Commissioner of NSW Ambulance. His emergency management experience includes the 2003 Canberra bushfires, the 2014 Lindt Café Siege, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am honoured and humbled to be appointed as Chief Officer of ACTAS,” Mr Dutton said. “It is quite the full circle moment to return to lead the service where my career started.”

In time for the next storm season, the ACT Emergency Services Agency and the NSW State Emergency Service have agreed to ensure consistent cross-border warnings for severe weather events.

The NSW SES website and the Hazards Near Me NSW app will show severe weather warnings for both NSW and the ACT.