Bail Act amendments take effect in Victoria

Additional provisions of the Bail Further Amendment Act 2025 (Vic) took effect on 30 September, introducing changes to Victoria’s bail framework.

Per a media release by the Judicial College of Victoria, the amendments include three provisions affecting bail decision-making processes:

• applying a new presumption and test to certain specified indictable offences – including armed robbery, aggravated burglary, home invasion, and carjacking – that pose an unacceptable risk in specific circumstances unless proven to a high degree of probability that they do not
• setting additional restrictions for electronic monitoring conditions on adults, which are distinct from the child-specific considerations in Part 2A of the Act
• recognising pregnancy and caring responsibilities as relevant surrounding circumstances to be considered by bail decision-makers

The Judicial College of Victoria has updated its Bail Bench Book to reflect these amendments, including guidance to help judicial officers apply the new provisions.