Published Friday, 22 August, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Shine Welcomes Court Decision on Sex Offender Legislation
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine has welcomed today’s decision by the Court of Appeal to dismiss a challenge to Queensland’s dangerous sex offender laws.
“The court’s decision to dismiss the appeal of convicted sex offender Darren Anthony Francis is confirmation of the constitutional validity of our sex offender laws,” Mr Shine said.
“We make no apologies for our sex offender legislation, which is the toughest in Australia, and we will continue to review our laws to ensure offenders released into the community by the court are properly supervised.
“However as this case has shown we have to be very careful that our legislation is not ruled unconstitutional by the courts.”
“Our main priority is the protection of the community by reducing the risk of these people re-offending.”
Mr Shine said the court’s decision reaffirms the validity of an amendment made to the laws last year which require that the onus be placed on an offender brought before the court for breaching their supervision order to prove they are not a threat to the community and should be released.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
“The court’s decision to dismiss the appeal of convicted sex offender Darren Anthony Francis is confirmation of the constitutional validity of our sex offender laws,” Mr Shine said.
“We make no apologies for our sex offender legislation, which is the toughest in Australia, and we will continue to review our laws to ensure offenders released into the community by the court are properly supervised.
“However as this case has shown we have to be very careful that our legislation is not ruled unconstitutional by the courts.”
“Our main priority is the protection of the community by reducing the risk of these people re-offending.”
Mr Shine said the court’s decision reaffirms the validity of an amendment made to the laws last year which require that the onus be placed on an offender brought before the court for breaching their supervision order to prove they are not a threat to the community and should be released.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273