Last week, the Minns Government announced its decision to extend strict bail testing or young people until April 2028.  

But people on both sides of the political spectrum are unhappy about the decision.  

Stricter bail laws were introduced in April 2024, with an additional test added to section 22C of the Bail Act 2013 for young people aged 14 to 18 who commit car theft or break and enter offence while on bail.

Under 22C, bail must not be granted unless the bail authority has a high degree of confidence the young person will not commit a serious offence again. 

Tougher laws were expected to expire in April this year, but State Government legislated to have them extended.

Nationals hold rally pushing for stronger laws 

On Sunday 23 February the NSW Nationals Party joined locals and police in Kempsey to hold a rally opposing the Minns Government bail laws, viewing them as weak and ineffectual.

Several MPs attended the rally, including NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders, Deputy Leader Gurmesh Singh, Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson, Upper House MP Wes Fang, Member for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzel and Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan.  

Nationals MPs in attendance of Kempsey rally. From left to right: Pat Conaghan, Gurmesh Singh, Wes Fang, Richie Williamson, Tanya Thompson, Dugald Saunders, Micheal Kemp  

The Nationals say they will offer a stronger solution to youth crime in regional and rural communities than the current Labour Government.  

NSW Nationals are pushing for legislative reform, with plans to put forward a bill to change the bail act to stop courts from granting bail to serious repeat offenders.

They also plan to propose changes to the crimes sentencing procedure act to give more consideration to the harm caused to victims, and changes to the minimum age of criminal responsibility.  

Mr Saunders said rallies like these are an outlet for frustrated community members.  

“People are completely fed up and are turning to these events and rallies as a last resort to try and have their voices heard. 

“They are scared on the streets and scared in their homes, and we need swift and decisive action, so they know we are taking every possible measure to keep them safe. 

“The Minns Government’s narrow approach has allowed this crisis to escalate and the Premier is ignoring communities that are screaming for help.” 

The rally in Kempsey is part of a series of community crime events; the Nationals also held one in Armidale on Saturday 22 February, and they plan to hold another in Moree on Sunday March 1. 

Greens respond 

Greens MP Sue Higginson criticised both Labour and Nationals responses.  

“The National Party as well as Labor Premier Chris Minns are driving community fear and division in a childish response to a very serious issue.

"We cannot allow the criminal laws of NSW to be a plaything for weak politicians who are baiting the electorate with scare tactics." 

Despite being political opposites, the Greens and Nationals both agree the Minns Government's bail laws will not do anything to tackle the crime crisis.  

"The data shows that a year on from the Premier saying he will lock up more young people, the only result is that more young people are in prison, it has not reduced crime," said Ms Higginson.  

Greens' Sue Higginson

Where the two parties differ is how they believe the topic should be approached.

While the Nationals want tougher bail laws and changes to the crimes sentencing procedure, the Greens believe policy should focus on underlying reasons for criminality, attempting to stop young offenders from falling into a life of crime.   

“We should be emptying our youth prisons. If we take a bold and evidence based approach to supporting young people at risk of offending, we can actually reduce the rate of young people offending, and prevent them from re-offending as adults,” said Ms Higginson.  

The Greens also described the Kempsey rally as "shortsighted, reactionary politics driven by fear."  

With the federal election looming, responses to critical issues such as youth crime are no doubt front of mind for voters.