Australian Ex-Mayor Granted Bail Days After Starting Jail Sentence

Cameron Nation, a former Moonee Valley mayor convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage boy, has been released on bail just days into his three-month prison sentence. The court granted Nation bail on Monday, approximately four nights after his sentencing last Thursday.

Nation, 42, pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy in 2019. The court heard that Nation lured the teenager to his home, where they inhaled nitrous oxide. The victim told police he felt "spaced out, like I had no control over my body" during the incident. Nation then kissed the boy, pulled down his pants, and engaged in sexual contact.

The victim, who was a competitive swimmer, first met Nation when the former mayor was a director and head coach of aquatic clubs in Melbourne's north-west. The victim was between eight and nine years old at the time and later worked as an assistant swim coach under Nation.

Following the assault, Nation contacted the victim via text and social media to congratulate him on coming out as gay. Prosecutors stated that these messages later turned sexual, with Nation expressing interest in taking the victim to a gay club.

Nation was charged in October 2025 and served as mayor of Moonee Valley City Council for a year after the offending. He resigned from the council in March 2024 after more than a decade of service. His identity was only recently revealed after a 10-month media ban, initially imposed to protect his mental health, was lifted.

Nation was taken into custody upon sentencing last Thursday by Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz, who also imposed an 18-month community corrections order focused on drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment upon his release. On Monday, Nation appeared via video link for his bail hearing. Magistrate Mykytowycz noted that prosecutors did not consider him a risk to the community, citing his compliance with bail conditions for an extended period before sentencing.

Prosecutors did not oppose Nation's release but requested strict conditions, including preventing him from leaving Victoria or going to international departure points. Nation's appeal is scheduled to be heard in the County Court on February 11.