6 MEMBER FOR THEODORE BOOTHMAN MP Mark 3 Cottonwood Place, Oxenford QLD 4210 theodore@parliament.qld.gov.au 3445 0100 markboothman.com MarkBoothmanTheodore mark_boothman Authorised by Mark Boothman MP, 3 Cottonwood Place, Oxenford QLD 4210. ADVERTISEMENT The Crisafulli Government has introduced landmark legislation to Parliament as part of a nation-leading overhaul of Labor’s weak bail laws for both adult and youth offenders, delivering on its commitment to make Queensland safer. The Breach Bail, Go to Jail and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 is the next stage of Adult Crime, Adult Time, and will target youth and adult offenders who commit serious offences while on bail. The Bill introduces major changes, including: • Creating a standalone offence for committing a serious offence while released on bail. The offence carries a mandatory minimum custodial sentence of 12 months imprisonment, to be wholly served in custody. • Strengthening the bail threshold for serious offenders by introducing a new "high degree of confidence" test. Under the test, police or a court must refuse bail unless satisfied to a high degree of confidence that the offender will not commit another serious offence while on bail. • For youth offenders this is any Adult Crime, Adult Time offence. • For adults, a serious offence includes all Adult Crime, Adult Time offences, as well as Daniel’s Law child sexual offences. The reforms ensure a defendant cannot be granted bail unless they show cause as to why their detention is not justified and satisfy police or the court to a high degree of confidence that they will not commit a further serious offence while on bail. This is one of the most significant packages of bail reform ever taken through the Queensland Parliament. The Crisafulli Government is committed to making Queensland safer through stronger laws, more police, early intervention and rehabilitation, with Police data showing a 9.6% drop in victim numbers. The Crisafulli Government has committed to passing the stronger bail laws by the end of the year. Groundwater Country Music Festival Returns to Broadbeach Dust off your boots and get ready for a weekend of country music by the beach when the Groundwater Country Music Festival returns to Broadbeach from 16–18 October 2026. Now a much-loved fixture on the Gold Coast events calendar, Groundwater offers three days of free live music, with stages and performances spread throughout the Broadbeach precinct, just a short stroll from the beach. There’s no ticket required, making it an easy event to enjoy at your own pace. The 2026 line-up has plenty to tempt country music fans, with Australian favourite Kasey Chambers headlining alongside New Zealand star Kaylee Bell, The Wolfe Brothers, Beccy Cole, James Blundell, Kingswood, Lane Pittman, Hayley Jensen and many more. For those who enjoy getting involved rather than simply sitting back and listening, there will also be beachside line dancing, country-themed activities and plenty of opportunities to wander between the different stages and venues. With more than 60 performances across the program, there should be something to suit a variety of country music tastes. One of the great attractions for local residents is the relaxed, come-and-go nature of the festival. You can catch a favourite performer, stop for lunch or coffee, browse the local shops and restaurants and return for another performance later in the day. It’s also a lovely opportunity to catch up with friends, meet fellow music lovers and enjoy the atmosphere without having to commit to an entire day. The festival can be enjoyed at whatever pace suits you. Find a comfortable spot, listen to a few songs, wander through the entertainment areas or simply soak up the atmosphere. And if dancing is your thing, the line dancing is sure to provide plenty of toe-tapping entertainment! If large crowds aren’t your thing, check the program before heading out and plan around the artists you’d particularly like to see. Arriving earlier in the day can also make it easier to find a comfortable spot and enjoy some of the less-busy performances. Of course, being Broadbeach, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and places to stop for a bite to eat or a relaxing drink between performances. Why not make a day of it and combine your favourite music with lunch by the coast? Whether you’re a lifelong country music fan or simply looking for a fun Gold Coast day out, Groundwater is a great excuse to enjoy live music, good company and the beautiful Broadbeach beachfront atmosphere. Groundwater Country Music Festival: 16–18 October 2026, Broadbeach. Entry is free.
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