Member for Oxley Michael Kemp has criticised the state’s bail system following a string of violent youth crimes in Kempsey, where several offenders allegedly committed multiple serious offences in one night before being released on bail.
The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to take immediate action, arguing the state’s current bail framework is failing to protect regional communities.
Mr Kemp said granting bail in such a case showed how out of touch the system had become. “It’s hard to believe that repeat youth offenders can steal cars, run roadblocks, attack police, threaten workers with machetes, and still be granted bail,” he said.
“These aren’t kids making mistakes – they’re violent offenders who are turning into hardened criminals.”
Mr Kemp said decisions were often made remotely through Sydney’s bail hub, leaving regional police and courts with little control. “This is another decision for regional communities being made in Sydney by people who have no idea what’s happening on the ground,” he said.
He said the laws had been watered down over time, protecting offenders rather than victims, and urged the government to act. “Labor had the chance to support the Coalition’s bill to strengthen bail laws, and they voted it down. Now communities like ours are paying the price,” Mr Kemp said.
The Opposition has renewed its call for tougher bail laws, saying police and victims across regional NSW are losing confidence in the justice system.
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