Media response - Sex Offender register

Questions asked by: The West Australian

Subject: Sex Offender register

Attorney General's response:

Attorney General Christian Porter has said he is considering establishing a public register of child sex offenders as part of a legislative package relating to prohibited behaviour orders.

Minister Porter said the package would be designed to protect the community and would complement and extend the existing legislative regime aimed toward the protection of children from sex offenders.

"The model which is currently being considered would enable community members to type in their addresses and view photographs of sex offenders living in close proximity," Mr Porter said.

"Details of sex offenders (including their photographs) are regularly published in newspapers and broadcast via radio and television.

"The offenders who may come to appear on such a public register would likely represent a subcategory of the most serious offenders presently reporting pursuant to the Australian National Childe Offender Register (ANCOR) as well as offenders who fail to meet their ANCOR reporting requirements.

"The model is being designed to strike a balance between the right of parents to protect their children from harm and the right of an individual to privacy and the need to preserve the peace.

"I do not see that it is necessary for the names of sex offenders to be published."

Attorney General's office - 9220 5050