REFORMS TO CHILD SEX OFFENCES INTRODUCED
Source: Australia. Minister for Home Affairs. Media Release
"Brendan O'Connor, today introduced into Parliament reforms to strengthen Commonwealth child sexual exploitation laws. "The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences Against Children) Bill introduces a range of reforms to child sex offences, including online offences and child sex tourism, to ensure they meet the needs of law enforcement agencies and remain effective in combating these horrendous crimes," Mr O'Connor said.The reforms enhance online offences and ensure consistent treatment of offending regardless of how the material is distributed. "These abusers will now be subject to maximum penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment, sending a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated." The Bill also introduces a new scheme for the forfeiture of child pornography or child abuse material, or items such as computers containing material, providing law enforcement with an appropriate means of dealing with such items."