Tougher bail laws to target repeat offenders with mandatory 12-month jail term

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt and Police Minister and Ninderry MP Dan Purdie last week Friday August 28.

Queensland’s bail laws are set for a major overhaul under new legislation targeting adults and young people who commit serious offences while already on bail.

The State Government has introduced the Breach Bail, Go to Jail and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, which would create a standalone offence of committing a serious offence while on bail.

Under the proposed laws, offenders convicted of the new offence would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 months imprisonment, served wholly in custody.

The Bill would also introduce a tougher test for granting bail to people accused of serious offences.

Police or a court would be required to refuse bail unless satisfied to a “high degree of confidence” that the accused would not commit another serious offence while released.

For young offenders, the test would apply to offences covered by the Government’s Adult Crime, Adult Time laws.

For adults, it would apply to those offences as well as coercive control and child sexual offences covered by Daniel’s Law.

The Government has committed to passing the legislation by the end of the year and has described the changes as the strongest bail reforms in Australia.

Premier David Crisafulli said the legislation represented one of the most significant packages of bail reform brought before the Queensland Parliament.

“We are expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time to deliver stronger bail laws, to make Queensland safer,” Mr Crisafulli said.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the reforms were designed to put greater emphasis on protecting victims and the wider community.

The Government also says Queensland Police data shows victim numbers have fallen 9.6 per cent, which it attributes to stronger laws, increased police numbers, early intervention and rehabilitation measures.

Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said Sunshine Coast residents expected serious repeat offenders to face serious consequences.

“As a former police officer, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that serious repeat offending can have on victims, families and entire communities,” Mr Hunt said.

“These reforms send a clear message: if you commit a serious offence while on bail, there will be consequences.

“Along with the rest of Queensland, locals have been calling for stronger bail laws that put the safety of victims and the community first, and that is exactly what our Government is delivering.

“These nation-leading reforms, combined with more police on the Coast, stronger laws, early intervention and rehabilitation, are all part of the plan to make our communities safer.”

The legislation forms the next stage of the Government’s Adult Crime, Adult Time reforms and applies to both serious repeat adult and youth offenders.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the Crisafulli Government was delivering more police, stronger laws and fewer victims.  

"The Crisafulli Government is committed to giving police the laws, resources and support they need to target Labor's generation of serious repeat offenders who have been allowed to terrorise Queenslanders in their homes and on the streets for far too long under the former Government," Minister Purdie said.   

"We are delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for with more police, stronger laws and fewer victims including tougher bail laws."