The tabloid panic rewriting bail laws
May 10, 2026 •
Last year – after months of pressure over youth crime, and claims the system had become too soft – Victoria passed what it proudly called the toughest bail laws in the country.
At the time, legal and human rights experts warned the laws would put more children in custody and disproportionately affect First Nations people.
Now, the Allan government is doubling down. In this week’s state budget, it said bail refusals were at record highs – and promised more money for corrections, faster youth crime hearings and a rewrite of sentencing laws.
But the deeper question hasn’t changed: should bail be a right or a tool for crime prevention?
Today, we’re returning to Daniel James’ conversation with legal academic Professor Marilyn McMahon on how media pressure and politics are reshaping bail – and what that means for justice.
This episode was originally published in March, 2025.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
The tabloid panic rewriting bail laws
1909 • May 10, 2026
The tabloid panic rewriting bail laws
Last year – after months of pressure over youth crime, and claims the system had become too soft – Victoria passed what it proudly called the toughest bail laws in the country.
At the time, legal and human rights experts warned the laws would put more children in custody and disproportionately affect First Nations people.
Now, the Allan government is doubling down. In this week’s state budget, it said bail refusals were at record highs – and promised more money for corrections, faster youth crime hearings and a rewrite of sentencing laws.
But the deeper question hasn’t changed: should bail be a right or a tool for crime prevention?
Today, we’re returning to Daniel James’ conversation with legal academic Professor Marilyn McMahon on how media pressure and politics are reshaping bail – and what that means for justice.
This episode was originally published in March, 2025.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Professor in Deakin Law School, Dr Marilyn McMahon
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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
It’s made by Arielle Richards, Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Krystal Keller, Ruby Jones, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.
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