New maximum penalties target child sex offenders

Child sex offenders will face tougher penalties under proposed legislative reforms to the Criminal Code introduced to Parliament by the Newman Government today.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the Newman Government had vowed to get tough on crime and sex offences committed against children were at the top of the list.

“These changes are a clear illustration of the Government’s responsiveness to community outrage at the level of sentences imposed on child sex offenders,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Children are the most vulnerable members of our community and this Government will do whatever it takes to protect them.”

The increased maximum penalties to the Criminal Code will include:

·         Offences against children with a mental impairment - from 14 years to life imprisonment

·         Child exploitation material offences - from 5 years to 14 years imprisonment

·         Procurement of a child - from 5 years to 10 years imprisonment.

A new offence for ‘grooming’ a child, which targets people who engage in conduct with the intention of a luring a child for sexual activity, has also been introduced.

“Those who show any intention of instigating a sexual relationship could face up to 14 years in prison under these new laws,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The offence will also allow police to potentially intervene before a crime is committed 

“The Newman Government has also closed a loophole that provides a defence to incest for de-facto parents who have sexual relationships with a partner’s child when they reach the age of consent.”

Mr Bleijie said in a further attempt to protect Queensland children, the Government would increase penalties for supplying drugs to a child under the age of 16.

“Children are particularly vulnerable to adults who seek to expose them to the dangers of drugs and the illegal drug culture,” he said.

“People who supply schedule 1 drugs (such as heroin or amphetamines) to children will face a maximum penalty of life behind bars.

“These important law reforms work hand-in-hand with our recently passed two-strike policy for child sex offenders and our Commission of Inquiry into child protection.

“We want Queensland to be the safest place in Australia to raise a child and making the law tougher is just one more way the Government can make this a reality.”

[ENDS] 28 November 2012

Media Contact: Matt Johnston 0432 535 893 Lisa O'Donnell 0400 986 432