National Paedophile Register a priority: Minister

30/7/03
The establishment of a National Paedophile Register is a top priority, according to Minister for Community Development Sheila McHale.
Establishment of a National Paedophile Register will be a key issue discussed at today's Community and Disability Services Ministers' Conference in Perth.
Ms McHale will urge her State, Territory and Federal counterparts to support the register.
The proposed system - endorsed at the Australian Police Ministers' Council in July - enables police to monitor the movements of convicted sex offenders throughout Australia.
Convicted paedophiles will have to keep police informed of their home, work, vehicle and travel details for up to 15 years under the scheme.
"If the proposed register prevents a single child from becoming a victim of a sexual predator, it is worthwhile," Ms McHale said.
"Authorities must know when convicted paedophiles are entering Western Australia.
"For the sake of our children, a National Paedophile Register must be seen as a priority issue."
Ms McHale said the Gallop Government was pushing ahead with proposed legislation for a State-based register and measures to improve the screening of people working with children.
In May, the Minister announced plans to introduce the police screening of schoolteachers, youth workers, priests and anyone else working with children.
Ahead of the national register, Police Minister Michelle Roberts is currently preparing a Cabinet submission seeking approval to draft legislation for a State-based register.
Both initiatives follow the Gallop Government's $75million commitment to crack down on child abuse and family violence in indigenous communities.
"The State Government is taking tangible measures to build a safer community," Ms McHale said.
Minister's Office - 9213 6900