People accused of serious domestic violence offences in New South Wales will now be ordered to wear electronic devices if they bail. The ankle bracelets will notify authorities if an accused offender breaches the conditions of their bail. It's in an effort to help prevent re-offending.
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00:00These electronic monitoring devices have been limited to parolees until now.
00:07This is the first time in NSW history that these ankle bracelets will be applied to people who have been charged, not convicted.
00:16Following changes to the Bail Act, the bracelets must be worn by those charged with serious domestic violence offences, unless it would be against the interests of justice.
00:26If they go somewhere a court has banned them from, such as a home, school or workplace, corrective services will be notified and police called.
00:34When we detect someone is at risk, we will contact that person immediately.
00:39The bracelet condition applies to crimes punishable by at least 14 years jail. The government expects about 90 defendants will be monitored.
00:4724-7, seven days a week, around the clock.
00:51We support this, but it's only one part of the jigsaw puzzle.
00:54The reform was prompted by the killing of childcare worker Molly Ticehurst in the state's Central West in April.
01:01The 28-year-old mother was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner, who was on bail for rape, stalking and intimidation.
01:08This is part of a multi-pronged response to domestic and family violence.
01:13Since July, it's become harder for those charged with serious domestic violence offences to be freed on bail.
01:19Something called a show cause requirement has been brought in, meaning bail must be refused unless the accused person can justify their release.
01:28There has been a marked difference.
01:31On average, an extra 31 people a week have been denied bail, a rise of 22%.
01:37As of today, those that are released can no longer approach an alleged victim without alerting authorities.