Outdated sexual assault laws scrapped: Accused rapists can be named from October 3

Accused rapists will be publicly named from October, Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has confirmed, in a major fast-track of laws set to replace outdated rules.

Accused rapists will be able to be publicly named from October Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has confirmed, in a major fast-track of laws set to replace outdated rules.

New laws allowing adults charged with rape, attempted rape and sexual assault to be named is expected to be passed this week.

But the changes were not set to come into effect until the government had published an “interim” media guide designed to support “responsible reporting of sexual violence”.

Ms D’Ath on Tuesday confirmed the guide had been “developed well ahead of schedule” and would be ready for a proposed start date of October 3.

QLD Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath.

Under the changes accused sexual offenders would be publicly identified unless they successfully seek a non-publication order, bringing Queensland in line with all jurisdictions except the Northern Territory.

It is in line with the landmark Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce recommendations.

Legal Aid Queensland, in its submission to the committee looking into the proposed legislation, said the guide was essential to protect against the media inadvertently identifying victims, and to decrease the risk of “trial by media” and retribution in certain communities.

It was also important to protect against reporting that “perpetuates harmful stereotypes about sexual violence”.

The taskforce in its report said some police officers made the point that further victims might come forward with the early identification of an accused offender, which could help “in evidence gathering and building the case for prosecution”.

Currently, anyone charged with rape, attempted rape, assault with intent to commit rape or sexual assault is protected from “reputational damage” until they are committed to stand trial.

Former Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman announced the law changes in November 2022, signalling the publication bans on an accused offender’s name were based on “rape myths” that women would make up allegations.

Former Attorney-General, now Health Minister Shannon Fentiman.