NSW Government look to phase out privately funded ankle monitors amid public safety concerns
Privately-funded ankle bracelets could soon be banned and dangerous alleged criminals thrown back behind bars after the Minns government vowed to scrap the system following a series of 'bail fails'.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the government will introduce a bill on Wednesday to ban the use of privately arranged and funded electronic monitoring for people on bail in NSW.
It comes after this masthead revealed accused people were going onto the private system and commiting further crimes while private monitoring company BailSafe had collapsed.
NSW Premier Chris Minns previously said the ban would 'rule a line in the sand' the same day this masthead reported one accused, Matthew John Langford, cut off his ankle bracelet within minutes of leaving Silverwater jail in March.
Under the current system, accused people can pay for their own electronic monitoring through a private provider as part of their bail conditions.
The NSW Government hopes to phase out private ankle bracelets after multiple bail breaches revealed flaws in the monitoring systems. Picture: Matt Thompson
But a series of bail bungles raised concerns about the justice system's ability to oversee private providers and the risks posed to the community if they suddenly stop monitoring accused people.
NSW Premier Chris Minns called it a 'line in the sand' moment. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short
If the legislation passes, the ban will include a three-month transition period where about 120 accused people on private bracelets will be brought back before a magistrate or judge.
Matthew John Langford, cut off his ankle bracelet within minutes of leaving Silverwater jail in March. Picture Eddie Safarik
Accused people will be given alternate bail conditions or put back in custody if they pose an unacceptable risk to the public.
NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley said the legislation will ensure accused people will no longer be offered the flawed bail option.
'We are not satisfied with the regulation of privately funded electronic monitoring arrangements and recognise the system needs to change,' he said.
Attorney-General of NSW Michael Daley said he is 'not satisfied' with current regulations. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers
'This ban includes transitional arrangements to enable those currently subject to private electronic monitoring to be brought quickly back before the courts.'
The ban will not affect existing electronic monitoring overseen by Corrective Services NSW for people accused of serious domestic violence offences and accused offenders on parole following bail reforms last year.
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