Accused rapists to be named: Fentiman confirms laws ‘ready to go’

Laws to scrap an outdated restriction protecting accused rapists from being named for years as their cases goes through the courts are expected to be introduced to parliament this week despite a surprise Cabinet shake up.

It’s understood new Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath will introduce the legislation when parliament sits this week.

Laws to scrap an outdated restriction protecting accused rapists from being named for years as their cases goes through the courts are still expected to be introduced to parliament this week despite a surprise shake up of the government’s frontbench.

Queensland and the Northern Territory are the only two remaining jurisdictions that prevent someone charged with rape or a serious sexual offence being publicly identified until they are committed to stand trial – a process that can take years. The same protection is not offered for any other offence, including murder and even some sexual offences against children.

Former attorney-general Shannon Fentiman had previously promised to introduce the amended legislation in the first half of this year and had confirmed it would happen “soon”.

She confirmed, in her first days Health Minister, that the legislation was “ready to go”.

“I’m really looking forward to the introduction and that significant piece of legislation,” Ms Fentiman said.

“I’m really proud of the reform from the Women’s Safety and Justice taskforce and overhauling our criminal justice system, and I will be there to see all of that implemented.”

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. Picture: Richard Walker

It’s understood new Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath is expected to introduce the legislation when parliament sits this week.

The change was one of 188 recommendations made by the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.

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 assaults is protected from “reputational damage” until they are committed to stand trial.

Ms 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.

Queensland’s peak legal bodies including the Bar Association and the Law Society have voiced reservations about naming accused early in the court process.