Good morning Melbourne. It is right on eight thirty. You are on the air with Jason and Lauren Clint here as well. We're doing it. Thanks John, mates. It's she already express.
Look bail reform, it's front of mine right now. Given the wave of crime that we've seen amid Victoria's youth crime crisis, Jacintra Allen has promised to do something about it, and just moments ago she made this announcement.
Today we are bringing in the toughest bail laws in the country. We are putting community safety first and foremost in bail decisions, and we're also reversing that change where romand or bail was seen as a last resort for youth offending. So that's a key change and a key change that we can make immediately.
She's also announced a ban on the sale of machetes.
Well, it's long overdue, long over It's taken far too long to get to this.
Well, unfortunate, Lauren. There's been so many families across this great state of ours impacted. One of them is the Gordon family. Natalie Gordon has been kind enough to join us today now. Breakingly, her brother who was just thirty three years of age, just thirty three. Let that sink in. He was a doctor. He was stabbed and hit by a car while he pursued thugs in Doncaster who'd broken into his home. Natalie, thanks so much for your time.
What's your reading? What's your reaction to the news The premier has just just broken.
Just about time, you know, finally, Yes, she's listening, as everybody is aware, I've been working tirelessly over the past over twelve months to get you know, change his NTE. It's great to hear this. It is great to hear that she is finally listening, she's starting to act. Unfortunately, I still don't think this will be enough really. I mean, failing for these youth offenders is one thing, and obviously tightening them bail laws will hold them in remard until
they get into court. But once they get into court they still believe in rehabilitation and are just placing them on community based orders.
The community is.
Still at risk because unfortunately they don't have any respect for anybody.
Natalie.
I mean I remember watching the news stories about your brother and what an incredible man he was, and I know Melbourne grieved with you during that whole process.
What happened to the people that did this to your brother? Where are they?
It's still ongoing, so they are in remand but it is still ongoing court case.
How has it impacted your family, Natalie, Because your brother looked like an absolute legend and he was doing some remarkable work in the community.
Oh, he was a buddy legend. I tell ya, it's unimaginable. You you can't explain the damage this is done to our family. You know, every single day is a constant struggle to just put on that brave face and continue on, because unfortunately, although we feel like our entire lives have just stopped, they haven't. The world still keeps turning. We're still expected to show up and do things. And I mean, I lost my best friend that day, Natalie.
Natalie, I'm so sorry.
And these were kids. They were teenagers, right.
Yeah, yet they were I can't I can't imagine what you and your family are feeling or going through. But all I can say is, like Mike, I'll be honest, I've got anger this morning after hearing the announcement. I just I feel like it's been used as a political football. I feel like we're doing something now, and I just don't get why it's so.
I mean, you also have to say that she's listening.
Finally, I don't think she had a choice, Clint. I think that's all anybody in this city.
We've been calling for her and the government to do something, and she's doing a long time.
For a long time.
I have to agree. I have to agree it is a political football. She is putting on a front because she knows she's a very unliked woman. I mean, I have repeatedly asked for her to sit down talk with me.
Listen.
I'm not an unreasonable person. I just want to have a conversation, offered some suggestions from a real victim's voice, but she flat out refuses. But then we'll offer her condolencence to my entire family in an interview only a few weeks ago. Not before that, though, because she now knows that this backlash is catching up with her.
I'm like I said, I think I think we all felt our heartbreaks watching the story of your family and your brother, and hopefully today at least is a step in the right direction.
Natalie, do you feel safe, No, not at all now.
I think any of us do in Victoria at the moment, Quinn.
No, it's an unfortunate situation we find ourselves in, but it isn't safe. It's not safe to go to the supermarket. It's not I don't even feel safe watching my kids at their junior sporting events.
Well, like I said, hopefully this is a step in the right direction. And Natalie, we are so sorry for your loss and for everything your family has gone through. And you're absolutely right, this has taken way too.
Long and I know today will be a hard day just bringing up everything for you guys, so we're sending out our thoughts and prayers of your way, and.
We really appreciate you jumping on with us this morning.
Natalie, no worries. Thanks guys, Thanks thankntally