The state government will remove provisions from its draft bill that would make it illegal to ‘incite animosity’ towards sex offenders.
The clause would have made it an offence to promote anger toward child sex offenders and will be dropped after backlash and concerns were raised that it could silence victim-survivors.
The draft amendments to the Community Protection (Offender Reporting) Act would allow information on the register to be shared with agencies monitoring offenders and create a disclosure scheme for parents and guardians.
“Following the community’s feedback, the government will amend this clause in the final bill to remove the word animosity,” Minister Felix Ellis said.
“Community feedback to the bill is exactly how consultation and phases should work so that this results in the toughest oversight on sex offenders and to empower parents and caregivers with the information they need to protect their children from sex offenders.”
“Ultimately this bill will ensure that Tasmania leads the nation when it comes to child protection.”
The draft amendment was based on 20-year-old legislation from Western Australia, which aimed to protect sex offenders from animosity.
“If the community is comfortable with removing the animosity provision, then we’re all for it because the core of this legislation is about how we can better protect children, how we can share information about sex offenders across the community.”
The bill also includes increased powers for police to release details of non-compliant sex offenders and strengthening protections for children.
Sexual assault support services
- Sexual Assault Support Service (Tasmania): 1800 697 877
- 1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
- Sexual Assault Counselling Australia: 1800 211 028
- Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors): 1800 272 831
Other helplines
- Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Tasmania’s Victims of Crime Service: 1300 300 238
- CLAN Care Leavers Australia Network 1800 008 774
