7 pieces
Crime
Victoria's crime wave, youth offending and bail, the surge in antisemitic attacks and foreign-directed violence, and whether the response has matched the threat.
New CrimeVictoria's crime wave: the numbers behind the fearCrime in Victoria rose sharply from 2023 to 2025. Offences fell 2.1% in the year to June 2026 but are still 13.2% above three years ago. Bail law was loosened, then reversed.New CrimeAntisemitic attacks, foreign-directed arson and the policing response since October 2023Antisemitic incidents quadrupled after October 2023, Iran directed two arsons and 15 died at Bondi. Police made arrests, but the main political responses came after the attacks.VictoriaYouth crime and the bail debateRising youth offending and repeated changes to bail law in search of the right balance.New South WalesRegional youth crime and the bail debateA wave of youth offending in regional towns has reignited the fight over bail and detention.QueenslandYouth crime and 'adult crime, adult time'A tough new sentencing regime answers public anger — and reopens the evidence debate on deterrence and detention.Northern TerritoryThe Alice Springs crime crisisA town in crisis became a national flashpoint over youth crime, alcohol and disadvantage.Northern TerritoryThe bail crackdown and incarcerationTougher bail laws and one of the world's highest incarceration rates.
624,624offences recorded, year to June 2026 (CSA)
+13.2%recorded crime above three years earlier
1,340unfilled Victoria Police roles, Sep 2026
2,062antisemitic incidents, Oct 2023 to Sep 2024 (ECAJ)
15people killed at Bondi, 14 Dec 2025
5 monthsfrom envoy's plan to formal adoption