Parliament passes tougher laws for dangerous sex offenders

Dangerous sex offenders will face longer prison sentences and closer supervision on release under tough new laws passed tonight by State Parliament.

Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the reforms strengthened the laws relating to dangerous sex offenders and improved community safety.

The amendments included:
* expanding the range of offences for which an indefinite jail sentence could be imposed by Queensland courts
* setting a minimum supervision period of five years
* allowing the government to apply for an extra period of supervision once an existing order expires.

"Even before the changes, Queensland had the toughest sex offender laws in Australia and these amendments make them even tougher," Mr Dick said.

"Our paramount concern is community safety and that has been the driving force behind these changes.

"These amendments will enable judges to impose indefinite sentences for many more crimes, including torture, incest, maintaining a sexual relationship with a child, and indecent treatment of a child under 16 years of age.

"Previously, under the Penalties and Sentences Act, indefinite sentences could only be imposed for violent offences and certain sexual offences that carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment."

The changes also ensure offenders will not be released to supervision under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act unless Corrective Services officers can manage the conditions needed to protect the community.

"These amendments establish a new threshold test when judges are deciding whether to make a detention or supervision order," Mr Dick said.

"They require the courts to determine whether the conditions necessary for the community's protection can reasonably and practically be managed by Corrective Services officers.

"If offenders are released to supervision, Corrective Services officers will be able to issue directives about their accommodation, alcohol or drug use, rehabilitation and treatment."

Mr Dick said the new laws also set a mandatory supervision period of at least five years once offenders were released from prison.

"These amendments recognise that dangerous sex offenders are most likely to re-offend in the first five years of release from detention," he said.

"The mandatory minimum period of supervision provides greater protection to the community by ensuring that offenders are closely supervised by Corrective Services officers throughout that period.

"As well as establishing this mandatory minimum, the new laws make it clear that the Supreme Court is not restricted to any maximum when setting the length of a supervision order."

Mr Dick said dangerous sex offenders would also face the prospect of having their supervision orders extended, with the government able to apply for an extra period of supervision when an existing order w as about to expire.

"The new provisions also make it clear that the prospect of a future order must not limit or restrict the duration of any initial supervision order," he said.

The amendments to the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 and Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 follow the government's review of the legislation and procedures required to manage dangerous sex offenders and protect the community.

Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick
02/09/2010

Permanent Link: Parliament passes tougher laws for dangerous sex offenders
Publish Date: 03 Sep 10