Government makes fifth attempt to pass mandatory sentencing laws for child sex offenders

The state government is making make a fifth attempt to introduce mandatory sentences for those convicted of serious sexual crimes against children.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett speaks to the media in parliament Square in Hobart on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

The state government is making make a fifth attempt to introduce mandatory sentences for those convicted of serious sexual crimes against children.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett said the government was serious about “throwing the book” at those who offend against children.

Four previous attempts have failed to pass state parliament.

The Sentencing Amendment (Presumption of Mandatory Sentencing) Bill was tabled in state parliament on Wednesday.

“These minimum sentences are based on the recommendations of the Sentencing Advisory Council on what would be appropriate minimum levels of imprisonment for these serious crimes,” he said.

“This bill legislates the community’s expectations, providing a minimum sentence of imprisonment that should be imposed in relation to child sexual offenders while preserving judicial discretion in circumstances where a court is satisfied it is unjust to do so.

“For transparency, the bill requires the court to provide reasons if it does not impose the minimum sentence.

“Offenders of sexual violence against children and our young people deserve significant sentences of imprisonment in recognition of the heinous, and lifelong effects of their criminal conduct on their victims.”

Attorney-General Guy Barnett speaks to the media in Parliament Square in Hobart on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

Labor has indicated it will support the legislation.

This bill mandates four years’ imprisonment for the crime of rape where a victim is under 18 years at the time of the offence; four years’ imprisonment for the crime of persistent sexual abuse of a child or young person where at least one of the unlawful sexual acts is a crime of rape and three years’ imprisonment for the crime of persistent sexual abuse of a child or young person where there are circumstances of aggravation and none of the unlawful sexual acts is an offence of rape.

It also requires the imposition of two years’ imprisonment for the crime of penetrative sexual abuse of a child or young person where there are circumstances of aggravation and

two years’ imprisonment for the crime of penetrative sexual abuse of a child or young person.

Mr Barnett said there was nothing more important to the government than the protection of children.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Liberals revealed that 1,340 calls to the Strong Family Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line were awaiting allocation.

Liberal MP Eric Abetz said all of the calls have been all been triaged and assessed as not requiring an urgent safety assessment.

On Thursday, Minister for Children and Young People Roger Jaensch explained Labor had been given a different answer — that zero calls were awaiting a callback — because they had asked a different question.

“My recollection was that the member asked how many calls to the advice and referral line had not been returned … we were advised there were no callbacks at that time outstanding,” he said.

“We have answered the questions as they have been put to us.”

Labor leader Dean Winter said the Commission of Inquiry had shown the dangers of cover-ups and secrecy from governments.