The NSW government has moved to extend a new bail test that applies to young people accused of stealing cars and breaking into homes, amid ongoing concerns about youth crime.
The measure applies to young people aged between 14 and 18 who are charged with certain car theft or serious break and enter offences while on bail for another offence of that type.
Under the law, bail must not be granted unless the bail authority has a “high degree of confidence the young person will not commit a serious indictable offence while on bail” subject to any proposed bail conditions.
The trial was originally intended to sunset after 12 months and would have ceased operation on April 4, 2025. However, legislation introduced to parliament this week will extend it for three years to April 2028.
The government said early data shows the strict test is working, with the bail refusal rate more than double that of the general bail refusal rate for young people charged with similar offences.
NSW Attorney General Michael Daley acknowledged that many regional communities feel fear, concern, and frustration about youth crime.
“We are working on additional measures to address this issue,” he said.
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