NSW Bail System Under Fire After “Hourly Selfie” Condition

The New South Wales bail system is facing criticism after an accused killer was granted bail under unusual conditions — requiring them to send police hourly selfies. Former NSW police officer Luke Taylor shared his concerns on The Today Show.

A Bizarre Bail Condition

Luke Taylor expressed disbelief at the decision, suggesting it undermines police resources.

“The first thing I had to do was check the paper to make sure it wasn’t April 1,” he said. “Detectives are already flat out building a brief of evidence for murder. Now they’re expected to stop every hour to check phones and validate selfies. It’s mindboggling.”

Easy to Manipulate

Luke questioned the practicality of monitoring hourly selfies, noting how easily the system could be exploited.

“What if someone takes 12 photos in one go, sets them on a timer, and then leaves the phone with someone else?” he explained. “That gives them hours — even days — to intimidate witnesses or commit more crime. You can’t even be sure who has the phone at any given time.”

Alternatives to Hourly Photos

With ankle bracelets being phased out due to reliability issues, the state is struggling to enforce bail conditions effectively.

“There are clearly better solutions than making police check phones every hour,” Luke said. “Investing in a reliable, locally made bail monitoring system would be far more effective than this ridiculous process.”

Self-Defence Laws Under Scrutiny

The discussion also touched on proposals to toughen self-defence laws in states like Victoria. Luke stressed that while self-defence is a valid legal right, safety should remain the priority.

“You are allowed to defend yourself and your family,” he said. “But you want to come out alive. If someone’s in your house, yes, do what you can to protect your family, but don’t put yourself at unnecessary risk. At the end of the day, property can be replaced — lives can’t.”

Conclusion

The “hourly selfie” bail condition has sparked widespread criticism, raising concerns about police resources, public safety, and the effectiveness of current bail enforcement methods. As Luke Taylor points out, better alternatives are needed to ensure the justice system works without overburdening frontline officers.

Watch the full interview above for Luke’s insights on bail reform and policing challenges in NSW.