4CStep 1—show compelling reason test

4C Step 1—show compelling reason test

S. 4C(1) substituted by No. 32/2018 s. 87(2), amended by No. 34/2025 s. 10.

(1) This section applies if, under section 4AA(3), (4) or (4A), the step 1—show compelling reason test applies to a decision of whether to grant bail.

S. 4C(1A) inserted by No. 32/2018 s. 87(2).

(1A) The bail decision maker must refuse bail unless satisfied that a compelling reason exists that justifies the grant of bail.

(2) The accused bears the burden of satisfying the bail decision maker as to the existence of a compelling reason.

(3) In considering whether a compelling reason exists, the bail decision maker must take into account the surrounding circumstances.

The term surrounding circumstances is defined in section 3. Also the bail decision maker is required to take into account other matters if the accused is an Aboriginal person or a child. See sections 3A and 3B.

(4) If the bail decision maker is satisfied that a compelling reason exists that justifies the grant of bail, the bail decision maker must then move to step 2—unacceptable risk test.

S. 4D (Heading) amended by No. 32/2018 s. 88(1).

S. 4D inserted by No. 3/2018 s. 7, amended by No. 32/2018 s. 88(2), substituted by No. 28/2023 s. 13.