Laws for electronic monitoring, curfews for serious sex offenders passed

Queensland Parliament has passed laws to strengthen surveillance of dangerous sex offenders released from prison after serving their sentence.

Attorney-General Kerry Shine said under the amendments passed by Parliament last night, if the Supreme Court decides to release anyone subject to the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, officers from Queensland Corrective Services will then have the power to direct the offender to wear an electronic monitoring device and abide by a curfew.

Mr Shine said the community expects that high-risk sex offenders released under the legislation after serving their jail sentences will be subject to stringent and intense supervision and surveillance in the community.

“The Queensland Government introduced laws in 2003 to provide greater protection for the community from the possible risk posed by these released offenders. These laws have been upheld by the High Court,” he said.

“The latest amendments approved by State Parliament will allow Queensland Corrective Services to apply stringent controls and limitations on released offenders.”

“I am disappointed the Opposition did not support the amendments.”

“The Government is determined to ensure the laws provide the greatest possible protection for the community against possible risks posed by these offenders. The Opposition does not share the Government’s commitment.”

The Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 allows the Supreme Court to order the continuing detention or supervised release of serious sex offenders beyond the end of their jail sentence.

In 2006, the Parliament approved amendments allowing the Supreme Court to order a released offender to wear an electronic monitoring device.

Mr Shine said Parliament also supported amendments to create a new offence for contravening a supervision order that carries a maximum penalty of two years’ jail and a provision to require the victim of offender to be notified of a hearing date to allow the victim to provide a statement to the Attorney-General to tender to the Court.

22 August 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au