Queensland is set to have the toughest bail laws in the nation under landmark reforms to be debated in Parliament this week, making it significantly harder for serious repeat offenders to be released back into the community.
The Breach Bail, Go to Jail and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 introduces a new “high degree of confidence” test, requiring police and courts to refuse bail unless satisfied to a high degree of confidence that an offender will not commit another serious offence while on bail.
The reforms target serious repeat youth and adult offenders and reverse years of the former Labor Government’s soft-on-crime approach, which weakened bail laws, removed breach of bail as an offence and fuelled their Youth Crime Crisis.
Under the Bill, serious repeat offenders will face a significantly higher threshold before being granted bail, while those who commit a serious offence while on bail will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 months imprisonment.
For youth offenders, a serious offence captures any Adult Crime, Adult Time offence committed while on bail.
For adults, a serious offence includes all Adult Crime, Adult Time offences, as well as coercive control and Daniel’s Law child sexual offences committed while on bail.
The Bill also removes the mandatory requirement under section 11 of the Youth Justice Act for police officers to consider diversionary options, including administering a caution, before commencing proceedings against youths, including when considering alternatives to arrest for alleged bail condition breaches.
These amendments ensure police can take swift action against repeat youth offenders by removing unnecessary barriers to commencing proceedings, giving officers greater discretion and a stronger response to serious repeat offenders to restore safety where you live.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Government made a promise to make Queensland safer and put the rights of victims ahead of offenders.
“Queenslanders are fed up with seeing serious repeat offenders’ cycle through the justice system but this week, we’re changing that,” the Premier said.
“Offenders need to know that under our laws, not only will there be tougher consequences if they commit further serious offences after being granted bail, but it will be harder to get bail in the first place.”
Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause, has welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s latest youth justice reforms, saying the strengthened bail laws will help improve community safety across the Scenic Rim and deliver greater confidence for local families, businesses and victims of crime.
“People across the Scenic Rim deserve to feel safe in their homes, workplaces and communities. These reforms strengthen Queensland’s bail laws and send a clear message that serious repeat offenders will face tougher consequences for their actions.” He said.
Mr Krause said the reforms reinforced the Government’s commitment to putting community safety first and holding serious repeat offenders accountable.
“The Crisafulli Government is continuing to take practical steps to reduce crime, support victims and give our police and courts the tools they need to keep communities safe.” He said.
“These changes build on the Government’s broader commitment to stronger laws, more support for frontline police and early intervention measures aimed at reducing reoffending and creating safer communities across the Scenic Rim and Queensland.”