Attorney General orders review of DSO Act

• Government moves swiftly to ensure laws protect WA community

• Court's release of 'TJD' leads to immediate review of Dangerous Sexual Offenders Act

Attorney General Michael Mischin has today announced a complete review of the Dangerous Sexual Offenders Act.

The review comes as a result of the conditional release of the dangerous sexual offender known as 'TJD'.

"I am concerned at the recent decisions resulting in the release of TJD," Mr Mischin said.

"I have ordered this comprehensive review into all aspects of the Act to ensure it meets the community's expectations of the handling of dangerous sex offenders. 

"The Government's principal concern is to ensure the community is protected."

Matters to be covered by the review include:

• the process of application for declaration as a DSO to the Supreme Court

• the length of periodic reviews of offenders subject to DSO orders

• the consequences for breaching release conditions, including the granting of bail

• the process and penalties for dealing with breach matters.

"I have asked my department to conduct the review in close consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions, WA Police, the Department of Corrective Services and the Commissioner for Victims of Crime and to report back to me within three months," the Attorney General said.

"If any reforms are required, I will introduce legislation for those reforms in the spring session of Parliament and I would expect the full support of the Opposition in passing this legislation."

          Fact File

• The Dangerous Sexual Offenders Act was introduced into State Parliament in 2005 to allow serious sex offenders and paedophiles to be kept in prison beyond their sentenced time

Attorney General's office - 6552 5600