Sonya Kilkenny under fire for refusing to front media over latest bail debacle

Sonya Kilkenny has come under fire for refusing to front the media and answer questions about the state’s latest bail fail, with the state opposition calling her a “part time Attorney-General”.

Sonya Kilkenny has refused to answer questions about the state’s latest bail fail. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny has come under fire for refusing to front the media and answer questions about the state’s latest bail fail.

The state opposition on Thursday slammed Ms Kilkenny’s silence, calling her a “part time Attorney-General”.

The Herald Sun on Tuesday revealed Premier Jacinta Allan had ordered an immediate review of the state’s justice settings, requesting Police Minister Anthony Carbines and Ms Kilkenny look at ways to strengthen current laws.

It follows reports that private bail service BailSafe Australia — which uses GPS to track accused offenders — had shut down more than a week ago, sparking fears about the whereabouts of alleged criminals.

In Question Time on Thursday, Ms Allan said eight alleged criminals were unaccounted for. She said Victoria Police and the courts were working to have their bail revoked.

Ms Kilkenny failed to front the media on Thursday. Picture: Aaron Francis

On Wednesday, Mr Carbines downplayed the extent of that review into the review — seemingly putting him at odds with Ms Allan — saying there was no major “piece of work” in the pipeline.

Ms Kilkenny hasn’t fronted the media since Tuesday, when the government first announced its so-called review.

Despite repeated requests from journalists on Thursday morning, Ms Kilkenny was unavailable to hold a press conference outside parliament.

Shadow Attorney-General Michael O’Brien said he was stunned that Ms Kilkenny hadn’t been made available to answer questions about the bail bungle.

“She hasn’t been out? Are you serious? That’s extraordinary,” he said.

“She might be a part time Attorney-General because she’s got her planning portfolio which she’s clearly more interested in but the Attorney-General is the first law officer in Victoria.

“She’s obligated to come out and answer questions about her government’s absolute failure to regulate this industry which has led to this collapse which means Victorians are less safe.”

In Question Time on Thursday, Ms Allan said eight alleged criminals were unaccounted for. Picture: 9 News

The Office of Public Prosecutions is investigating the major failure, including whether private operators should continue to be responsible for monitoring offenders on bail.

Ms Allan slammed BailSafe on Thursday, saying the lack of communication with state authorities was “utterly unacceptable”.

“BailSafe’s behaviour has been unacceptable in terms of how they have operated, in terms of their decision and their interaction with state authorities,” she said.

“We’ve made it very, very clear.”

Ms Allan was unable to provide a figure for how many criminals used the BailSafe system, saying she was awaiting further advice from the Police Minister.

She said the debacle had had no impact on Victoria Police compliance checks.

In a statement, Victoria Police said it would work with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the Office of Public Prosecutions and the courts.

“These matters are being individually assessed to determine the most appropriate course of action, including any immediate compliance checks that are required,” they said.

Originally published as Sonya Kilkenny under fire for refusing to front media over latest bail debacle