GOVERNMENT TOUGH ON SEX OFFENDERS: SPENCE
Published Tuesday, 18 September, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Child Sex Offenders listed on the Australian National Child Offender Register (ANCOR) are being held to account for breaching their reporting obligations, Police Minister Judy Spence said today.
Ms Spence said offenders who fail to report to authorities or inform them of changes to their circumstances are being handed heavy fines, and even being sent to prison.
“Between January 2005 and June this year, 146 offenders listed on ANCOR have been breached for failing their reporting obligations or providing false or misleading information to authorities,” Ms Spence said.
“12 of those offenders were sent to prison for up to six months.
“85% of the offenders who committed breaches had a conviction recorded, and 73% of offenders received fines from $100 to $1,500 – with a total of $88,080 in fines issued.”
Ms Spence said the 2518 Queensland offenders on the register, who have been convicted of committing sexual or other serious offences against children, must report changes to their details, including their address or travel movements, within 14 days.
“This government is serious about keeping the community safe from child sex offenders and we will not tolerate breaches of these conditions,” Ms Spence said.
“These severe penalties send a clear message to sex offenders – if they breach their reporting obligations they will be punished.
“The government will continue to take a tough approach to the management of child sex offenders in Queensland.
“The protection of our children is paramount and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure their safety from predators.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287
Ms Spence said offenders who fail to report to authorities or inform them of changes to their circumstances are being handed heavy fines, and even being sent to prison.
“Between January 2005 and June this year, 146 offenders listed on ANCOR have been breached for failing their reporting obligations or providing false or misleading information to authorities,” Ms Spence said.
“12 of those offenders were sent to prison for up to six months.
“85% of the offenders who committed breaches had a conviction recorded, and 73% of offenders received fines from $100 to $1,500 – with a total of $88,080 in fines issued.”
Ms Spence said the 2518 Queensland offenders on the register, who have been convicted of committing sexual or other serious offences against children, must report changes to their details, including their address or travel movements, within 14 days.
“This government is serious about keeping the community safe from child sex offenders and we will not tolerate breaches of these conditions,” Ms Spence said.
“These severe penalties send a clear message to sex offenders – if they breach their reporting obligations they will be punished.
“The government will continue to take a tough approach to the management of child sex offenders in Queensland.
“The protection of our children is paramount and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure their safety from predators.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287