Child sex offenders to be banned from more workplaces under reforms proposed by state government

Serious child sex offenders and people on bail for serious child sex offences would be banned from more workplaces under new laws proposed by the Attorney-General.

Serious child sex offenders and people on bail for serious child sex offences would be banned from working in any position where they might have contact with underage employees, under reforms proposed by the state government.

Current laws prevent such people from engaging in “child-related work”, which is limited to jobs relating directly to children – such as childcare, tutoring or coaching children.

The changes would broaden that definition to include any work involving contact with children, or at a business that employs children.

Registrable offenders and people on bail will still be able to apply for an exemption, and the law will not apply to situations where the contact is fleeting or incidental.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the government was continuing its string of tough reforms that crack down on child sex offenders.

“Every person has the right to be safe at work, especially children,” he said.

“This bill will ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our children in the workplace.”

Mr Maher said the government would consult on the bill with a view to introducing it into parliament in the coming months.

SDA secretary Josh Peak said young workers were already the most vulnerable, and it was a “disgrace” they could be working with registered child sex offenders.

“It’s great to see the Malinauskas government taking action, especially when the previous government refused,” he said.

“There is nothing more important than keeping our young people safe, and this bill will help to do just that.”

The union had called on the government to review legislation after a Coles night-fill worker, Brendan Nazer, was employed despite being on the child sex offenders register and serving a suspended sentence for child abuse material offences.

Nazer was caught with 25 videos of child abuse stored on a mobile phone in his room.