- Dangerous Sexual Offenders Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 to be introduced into State Parliament
The McGowan Labor Government will this week introduce changes to the dangerous sex offender laws to better protect the community.
The Bill amends the Dangerous Sexual Offenders Act 2006 (WA) and the Bail Act 1982 (WA) to fulfil one of the McGowan Labor Government's key law and order election commitments.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"We made a promise to the people of WA to make it tougher for dangerous sex offenders to be released into the community, which we are honouring.
"The system for dangerous sex offenders as it currently stands is failing the community and it requires reform.
"This was demonstrated time and time again under the former Liberal National government.
"Unlike the previous government, we have moved swiftly to introduce significant reforms to toughen up these laws and to bring them more in line with community expectations."
Comments attributed to Attorney General John Quigley:
"These amendments seek to strengthen the overall dangerous sex offender regime in WA.
"The amendments include reversing the onus of proof so that prisoners will bear the burden of satisfying the court that they will substantially comply with all the standard conditions of any Community Supervision Order.
"Given that dangerous sex offenders have already been found to pose a serious danger to the community, it is only right in cases where the court is not satisfied they will comply with conditions allowing them to be supervised in the community, they should remain in custody.
"We are also introducing a presumption against bail for dangerous sexual offenders who are charged with breaching a dangerous sexual offender supervision order.
"These individuals will remain in custody until the matter has been dealt with by the court unless there are exceptional reasons why they should be granted bail.
"The third key amendment is to provide for interim supervision orders, which may be required under a range of different scenarios."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Attorney General's office - 6552 6800
