Carly’s Law could be implemented by New Zealand and Texas police, says Sonya Ryan

Carly’s Law gave Australian police new powers to stop predators from lying about their age to meet children – and now two overseas forces want to adopt the law.

• SA parliament introduces new laws targeting predators
• Carly’s law passes Federal Parliament

Overseas predators who use the internet to lie about their age and arrange to meet with children could face up to 10 years jail, as New Zealand and Texas police forces look to adopt Carly’s Law.

South Australian police powers were broadened last year when the State Government introduced new crimes following the 2007 murder of Adelaide teen Carly Ryan — who met up with a 47-year-old paedophile that pretended to be aged 20.

Carly’s mother and staunch campaigner, Sonya Ryan, met with Texas authorities about the laws last month.

“Their interest was in the SA version of Carly’s law … lying about age and identity, and then attempting to meet,” she said.

New Zealand police also want to engage her as an adviser for online safety.

“In their legislation there isn’t a preventive element … they (predators and children) have to physically meet, where Carly’s Law captures a planning stage during online communication,” Ms Ryan said.

“I will keep doing whatever I need to do to get Carly’s Law into as many criminal codes as I possibly can.”

Carly Ryan, after whom the law is named.

Sonya Ryan is continuing to campaign for the law to be adopted elsewhere.

It comes as she puts pressure on Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to conduct a review of the federal laws fought for after Carly’s death.

The pair will meet at Parliament House in Canberra today, ahead of a screening the Child Dignity in the Digital World documentary which features Ms Ryan.

Mr Dutton said the Carly Ryan Foundation chief executive had rightfully been recognised globally for her efforts to counter online child exploitation.

“She is a warrior for this cause who has fought for real action and change,” he said.

“I admire her for turning such an awful tragedy into an unwavering pursuit to protect children.”

The Child Dignity in the Digital World documentary highlights the need for internet companies to do more to protect children online.

“These companies must not be putting profits ahead of protecting children,” Mr Dutton said.