March 7, 2022
Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party is asking the Victorian government to follow South Australian Labor’s lead and commit to a suite of child sex offender law reform.
SA Labor has just announced the following promises ahead of the state election on March 19:
- Introduction of a public sex offender register
- New laws to keep child sex offenders in prison until they prove they can control their instincts
- Strengthening penalties for a range of child sex offences
- Lifetime electronic monitoring for serious child sex offenders released from prison
- Strengthening online offending laws
The Victorian government should look to its SA colleagues’ strong initiative and crack down on child sex offenders.
The Victorian government today released its response to Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee Inquiry into Management of Child Sex Offender Information and failed to commit to vital recommendations, including:
- Giving education providers annual funding to access preventative education around child sexual offending
- Asking the Victorian Law Reform Commission to explore a Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (similar to that operating in Western Australia and the United Kingdom)
This response is a slap in the face to child sexual abuse victims. The Victorian government should be bolder in its response to condemning this abhorrent behaviour.
If SA Labor can commit to these strong policies, but its neighbour can’t, then Victorian kids will be at risk.
“I was shocked to read that on the same day we have South Australian Labor announcing strong policies condemning child sexual abuse, the Victorian government is not endorsing committee recommendations to do the same here,” said Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party state leader Stuart Grimley MP.
“It baffles me that eight hours down the road from Adelaide, Victoria has a government that won’t commit to simple recommendations such as a limited child sex offender disclosure scheme. Parents have the right to know.
“It’s time to stop the politics and playing with children’s safety.”
Member for Northern Victoria Tania Maxwell MP said:
“Victorian Labor needs to show the same strong stance against child sex offenders as its SA colleagues.
“We need funding for preventative programs in schools. When every school-aged child has access to a laptop or tablet, why can’t Victoria have mandatory online education to make sure our kids are staying safe from predators?
“Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party was formed to take a strong stance against child sex offenders. We’re working every day for fair, just, safe communities. We ask Labor to step up to the same goal.”
