Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett has reinforced the Government’s commitment to protecting the state’s children by announcing tough new laws for child sex offences.
During Queensland Child Protection Week, which runs until 8 September, Mr Bennett said the Newman Government was dedicated to keeping children across the state safe from harm.
“These new laws will increase maximum penalties for child pornography and child exploitation offences,” Mr Bennett said.
“We will also introduce a new offence for ‘grooming’ a child, which targets people who engage in conduct with the intention of a luring a child for sexual activity.
“Currently, the law provides a defence to incest for de-facto parents who have sexual relationships with their partner’s children when they reach the age of consent.
“The Government will introduce amendments to remove this loophole.
“Sex offences against children are heinous crimes and these amendments will ensure those who target our most vulnerable citizens serve appropriate sentences.”
The increased maximum penalties include:
- Offences against children with a mental impairment: from 14 years to life imprisonment
- Child exploitation material offences: from 5 years to 14 years imprisonment
- Procurement of a child: from 5 years to 10 years imprisonment
- Grooming of a child: maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment
Mr Bennett said strengthening laws for crimes against children was part of the Newman Government’s Six Month Action Plan.
“Under our 100 Day Action Plan we established a Commission of Inquiry to chart a road map for the state’s child protection system for the next decade,” he said.
“The Inquiry is examining the current response to children and families in the child protection system, including service standards and court and tribunal processes.
“Last month we passed a two-strike law, which means repeat child sex offenders will now be jailed for life and be unable to apply for parole for at least 20 years.
“These changes are a clear illustration of the Government’s responsiveness to community outrage at the level of sentences imposed on child sex offenders.
“We want Queensland to be the safest place in Australia to raise a child and making the law tougher is just one more way the Government can help make this a reality.”