Tougher sentencing required for sex offenders

The Government notes today’s release of the Sentencing Advisory Council’s report on sex offence sentencing, commissioned by the previous Labor-Green government.

The SAC report confirms that the sentences imposed in respect of some sexual offences are too lenient and that legislative reform is necessary to address this disparity.

The Hodgman Liberal Government has a long-standing position that increased sentences are required for serious sexual offences against children. We will carefully consider the recommendations of the SAC report, however I wish to reiterate that the Government remains absolutely committed to our election commitment to introduce minimum mandatory sentences for those convicted of serious sexual offences against children.

Serious sexual offences committed against children are particularly heinous and it is vital that the sentences imposed are commensurate with the gravity of the crime committed and express the community’ strong condemnation of this type of crime.

We will consider the SAC report and other evidence in the development of a package of legislative measures for tabling in the first half of 2016 to address the demonstrated leniency in sex offence sentencing. This legislation will include, among other measures, minimum mandatory sentences for serious sexual offences against children.

The Liberal Government is already moving to abolish suspended sentences and phase in alternative sentencing options to reduce crime and enhance community confidence in sentencing, and we have released draft legislation to help ensure that sex offenders receive appropriate treatment while in prison.

It is crucial that all Tasmanians can have confidence in and are afforded the greatest possible protection by our criminal justice system.
Vanessa Goodwin, Attorney-General