Some Qld child sex offenders to be monitored for life under tough new laws

Some child sex offenders in Queensland will be subject to lifelong monitoring under laws the state government says are the toughest in Australia.

Repeat offenders will be subject to 20 years of monitoring and reporting to police under legislation to be introduced to parliament this week.

“Child sexual abuse is especially sickening,” Police Minister Mark Ryan said on Tuesday.Credit: iStock

Reporting periods for first-time offenders will double from five to 10 years, Police Minister Mark Ryan said.

“The most serious recidivist child sex offenders will be monitored for their entire lives,” Ryan told parliament.

“Any form of child abuse is deplorable, while child sexual abuse is especially sickening,” he said.

The announcement follows plans to expand the powers of Queensland police to inspect child sex offenders’ digital devices.

That legislation, introduced to parliament last month, will enable police to enter the residence of a reportable offender to undertake a digital device inspection.

“This will go a very long way to evening the playing field,” Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark told reporters in October.

“At the moment, our power of entry is in relation to confirming reportable offenders’ personal details,” he said.

– AAP