Bail justices not fit to catch dogs: Hinch

Victorian senator Derryn Hinch has launched a scathing attack of the state's bail system in federal parliament.

Senator Derryn Hinch

Senator Derryn Hinch. Source: AAP

Crossbench senator Derryn Hinch has lashed Victoria's bail system, claiming some of the state's bail justices are not worthy of being appointed dog catchers.

He used a speech in federal parliament to call on political leaders to tighten the nation's bail systems following the Bourke Street Mall rampage.

It follows revelations the man accused of killing six people and injuring another 37, Dimitrious Gargasoulas, 26, was on bail for an assault charge at the time of the alleged attack.

The Victorian senator said his was the only state where police only had power to bail offenders, not remand them in custody.

The warnings of police officers opposing bail for alleged offenders should carry more weight than "dangerously lightweight" volunteer bail justices.

"Frankly, I've seen some people in that exalted position that I wouldn't appoint dog catcher," Senator Hinch said.

The bail justice who bailed Gargasoulas should have been stood down or volunteered to stand down, he said.

AAP reported on January 25 the "deeply distressed" bail justice concerned stepped down and took himself off the volunteer roster following the alleged attack.

Senator Hinch also took a swipe at Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, accusing him of not doing enough to tackle the problem.


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Source: AAP



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