Bill to erase identity shields for alleged sexual predators to have bipartisan political support, backing of victims’ rights groups

The Bill to erase alleged sex offenders’ automatic anonymity has won support from victims and Labor — as another alleged predator faces court in secret.

Sex crime survivors and the Opposition have backed the abolition of identity protections for alleged predators — even as another case moves through the state’s courts in secret.

On Thursday, just hours after the State Government said it would rewrite Section 71A of the Evidence Act (1929), a man faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with rape.

The charge against the 34-year-old, of Smithfield Plains, arises from an alleged attack on a female jogger at Munno Para last week.

Previously, SA Police alleged the victim was struck on the head with a “hammer-like weapon”, then dragged into bushes and repeatedly sexually assaulted.

Because of the Act, which prohibits not only naming the man but any report of his court appearance, The Advertiser cannot publish any further details about his case.

The crime scene at Munno Para where a man allegedly sexually assaulted a woman jogging in a wetlands area.

The government’s amendment Bill will see those restrictions — which apply only to alleged sex criminals — erased, and offenders treated no differently than any other accused.

On Thursday, Opposition justice spokesman Kyam Maher said the Bill would have bipartisan support when it went before Parliament.

“We are absolutely in support of this idea,” he said.

“We will of course wait to see what the legislation says, and the details, but we think this is an appropriate reform.”

Abuse survivor “B”, one of Adelaide’s masked brothers, said the change was long overdue and very welcome.

“Exposing monsters and protecting kids … it’s hard to believe that it’s taken so long to change laws that protected the most evil people in our society,” B said.

“Maybe one reason paedophiles keep plying their trade is they know the law protects their identity up until the very last minute.

“I think this is especially true when the perpetrator is high profile.”

His brother, “A”, said the Bill was a “gigantic and positive step forward” for the community.

“No other criminal in our legal system, even murderers, are offered the special treatment of a ‘golden ticket’ of automatic anonymity,” he said.

Masked brothers A and B outside the Supreme Court after paedophile Vivan Deboo, who sexually assaulted them three decades ago, lost his appeal to serve his sentence in the comfort of his own home. Picture: AAP / Sam Wundke

Vivian Frederick Deboo arrives court last year during his trial. Picture: AAP / David Mariuz

“Finally, the community will be aware of the names of the individuals who are accused of these acts — something I feel most in our society see as our right to know.

“People being innocent until proven guilty? Yes. But anonymous until proven guilty for paedophiles and rapists? Not anymore.”

Carly Ryan Foundation chief executive Sonya Ryan said state law would now better reflect community expectations.

“Alleged predators should not be treated any differently to anyone else charged with a criminal offence,” she said.

“Suppression orders protect perpetrators of sexual abuse when the focus should be on protecting vulnerable members of our communities and preventing further harm.”