OFFENDER PROHIBITION ORDERS TO STRENGTHEN SEX OFFENDER MANAGEMENT
Published Thursday, 15 November, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence this morning introduced the Child Protection (Offender Prohibition Order) 2007 Bill in State Parliament.
Ms Spence said the bill aims to strengthen the laws dealing with convicted paedophiles once they are released into the community.
“This Government and the people of Queensland recognise paedophilia as vile criminal conduct which has no place in our society,” Ms Spence said.
“This Bill will curb the activities of these merchants of depravity, if they are seen to pose a risk to the safety of our children.
“There are currently around 2,500 people on the Queensland Child Sex Offender Register.
“This bill will allow police to more closely monitor these people – and impose restrictions on their movements if they are engaging in activity that could pose a risk to the lives or sexual safety of children.”
Ms Spence said the Child Protection (Offender Prohibition Order) Bill will:
• Give police the power to act if they are concerned about the behaviour of any sex offender who has served their prison time and been released into the community;
• Allow police to ask magistrates for an order banning paedophiles going within 200m of places such as parks, playgrounds, childcare centres, movie theatres, video arcades, theme parks and swimming pools;
• Permit police to also seek restrictions on offenders entering shopping centres at times when schoolchildren could be there, such as before and after school, or joining any club where they could come into contact with children;
• Permit police to tailor the conditions of the order to suit the risk posed by the offender.
“This Bill will provide another string to the bow of police in their endeavour to curtail the offending behaviour of recidivist paedophiles,” Ms Spence said.
“It will enable police to monitor their activities and track their movements with a view to preventing further offences occurring.
“Members of the community may be assured that this Government has taken and will continue to take a tough stance against paedophiles.
“The Bill I introduce today is evidence of the fact that the Bligh Government is intent on ensuring the safety of the community, and in particular – that of our children.”
Media Contact – Nicola Hazell: 0439 673 287
Ms Spence said the bill aims to strengthen the laws dealing with convicted paedophiles once they are released into the community.
“This Government and the people of Queensland recognise paedophilia as vile criminal conduct which has no place in our society,” Ms Spence said.
“This Bill will curb the activities of these merchants of depravity, if they are seen to pose a risk to the safety of our children.
“There are currently around 2,500 people on the Queensland Child Sex Offender Register.
“This bill will allow police to more closely monitor these people – and impose restrictions on their movements if they are engaging in activity that could pose a risk to the lives or sexual safety of children.”
Ms Spence said the Child Protection (Offender Prohibition Order) Bill will:
• Give police the power to act if they are concerned about the behaviour of any sex offender who has served their prison time and been released into the community;
• Allow police to ask magistrates for an order banning paedophiles going within 200m of places such as parks, playgrounds, childcare centres, movie theatres, video arcades, theme parks and swimming pools;
• Permit police to also seek restrictions on offenders entering shopping centres at times when schoolchildren could be there, such as before and after school, or joining any club where they could come into contact with children;
• Permit police to tailor the conditions of the order to suit the risk posed by the offender.
“This Bill will provide another string to the bow of police in their endeavour to curtail the offending behaviour of recidivist paedophiles,” Ms Spence said.
“It will enable police to monitor their activities and track their movements with a view to preventing further offences occurring.
“Members of the community may be assured that this Government has taken and will continue to take a tough stance against paedophiles.
“The Bill I introduce today is evidence of the fact that the Bligh Government is intent on ensuring the safety of the community, and in particular – that of our children.”
Media Contact – Nicola Hazell: 0439 673 287