Last year – after months of pressure over youth crime, and claims the system had become too soft – Victoria passed what it proudly called the toughest bail laws in the country.

At the time, legal and human rights experts warned the laws would put more children in custody and disproportionately affect First Nations people.

Now, the Allan government is doubling down. In this week’s state budget, it said bail refusals were at record highs – and promised more money for corrections, faster youth crime hearings and a rewrite of sentencing laws.

But the deeper question hasn’t changed: should bail be a right or a tool for crime prevention?

Today, we’re returning to Daniel James’ conversation with legal academic Professor Marilyn McMahon on how media pressure and politics are reshaping bail – and what that means for justice.

This episode was originally published in March, 2025.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Professor in Deakin Law School, Dr Marilyn McMahon

Photo: AAP Image/Con Chronis

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The seat of Farrer in NSW has been empty since the resignation of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley.

Today, a new member will be elected, and while the race is tight – One Nation’s David Farley is ahead in the polls.

He’ll be picking up Coalition preferences, but faces a strong challenge from independent Michelle Milthorpe.

So will One Nation win its first federal lower house seat? And if so, what will that signal for the future of conservative politics?

Today, ABC Election analyst Casey Briggs on the fight for Farrer.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: ABC Election Analyst, Casey Briggs

Photo: AAP Image/Simon Dallinger

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Late yesterday, four women and nine children arrived in Australia from Syria.

The women, who originally left the country to be part of the Islamic State caliphate, have spent the years since its collapse in Syrian refugee camps.

Many of their children, who are Australian citizens too, have never been here before.

But they aren’t the first to come back – since 2019, women and children like them have been returning.

What they’re returning to has become more and more hostile, with politicians maintaining they aren’t welcome, and police threatening arrest.

Today, Professor Michele Grossman, expert on violent extremism from Deakin University, on our responsibility to these citizens and the danger of politicising their position.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

And special credit for the audio of Australian children inside al-Roj refugee camp goes to William Christou and the Guardian.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Expert on violent extremism from Deakin University, Professor Michele Grossman

Photo: AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.