The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to protecting Tasmania’s children and young people.
We are aware from media reports that Sexual Assault Support Services is intending to lodge a class-action with the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner while a specific matter has been referred to police.
This Government is taking action to protect our children. In October last year, I approved a review of the Community Protection (Offender Reporting) Act 2005 to be conducted by Tasmania police. This work is now underway and will consider the current powers and provisions to determine where legislative change is required.
The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute is also considering the use of social media as part of its review of bullying laws while the Sentencing Advisory Council is looking at sexual offender sentencing, as well as alternative sentencing options generally. We will await the outcome of their final report and consider the recommendations.
The Government is also taking other measures to protect our children including legislating minimum mandatory sentences for those who commit serious sexual offences against children and making it compulsory for all sex offenders to receive appropriate treatment when they are in jail.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Police and Emergency Management
