Labor to back Crisafulli LNP’s bail crackdown despite hefty criticism

Queensland's Labor Opposition has announced it will support the government's controversial "Breach Bail, Go to Jail" bill, despite widespread concerns over the proposed legislation and its potential impact on the justice system. The decision follows a report released by a government-controlled committee chaired by the Crisafulli LNP, which recommended passing the bill unchanged after receiving input from key stakeholders urging caution or modifications. The move comes amid a challenging period for Labor leader Steven Miles, who faces internal criticisms regarding his leadership strategy midway through the electoral cycle and declining public approval ratings. At a press conference on Friday, Miles acknowledged that while Labor had implemented some reforms to bail laws during its tenure, he admitted they could and should have done more. "We will support the government's proposed breach of bail laws, just like we did their 'adult crime, adult time' laws," Miles stated. "We are as disappointed as they should be that those laws have not been more effective." He emphasized that crime rates in Queensland remain unacceptably high due to the government's failure to adequately invest in early intervention, crime prevention, and rehabilitation programs. However, he expressed concern over the implications of the new laws for the safety of police officers in watchhouses, prison staff, and youth detention workers. According to the Queensland Bar Association, the bill could discourage individuals from pleading guilty, potentially causing delays throughout the court system. Additionally, the stricter bail test included in the bill is currently under review by the High Court. Although Labor members on the committee issued a statement expressing reservations about the bill, the document clearly indicated that the party would not oppose it. The statement, signed by MPs Di Farmer, Peter Russo, and Melissa McMahon, reiterated these concerns but confirmed the opposition's support for the "Breach Bail, Go to Jail and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026." The statement highlighted that the opposition had previously backed the government's "adult time for adult crime" initiatives, noting that the LNP's return with a ninth similar justice bill signaled the failure of previous attempts. Maiwar Greens MP Michael Berkman, another committee member, submitted a dissenting report arguing that the proposed tough measures would not effectively reduce crime, stating that the approach was based on the LNP's "wilful ignorance and delusion." Public perception of the government's crime-fighting strategies has deteriorated over the past year, even though the LNP claims its election promises are beginning to show results. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, victim numbers, a key indicator used by Premier David Crisafulli to assess his leadership, had already decreased during the election year and continued to decline in 2025.