Queensland to Establish Public Child Sex Offender Registry: Introducing Daniel’s Law
Queensland is set to establish a public child sex offender registry in 2025 under new legislation known as Daniel’s Law. Named in honour of Daniel Morcombe, who was tragically abducted and murdered in 2003 by a serial child sex offender, the law aims to provide parents and guardians with tools to proactively safeguard their children from potential harm.
The Purpose of Daniel’s Law
The proposed legislation will create a three-tier system enabling Queenslanders to access information about individuals with histories of child sexual offences. Acting Premier Jarrod Bleijie emphasised the importance of consulting key stakeholders, including law enforcement and other experts, to ensure the law effectively protects children.
How the Registry Will Work
The proposed three-tier system is modelled on Western Australia’s successful registry, introduced in 2012, and includes the following components:
- Public Website: A publicly accessible platform displaying photographs and personal details of offenders;
- Identified Offender Access: Individuals can request a photograph of a registered offender identified in their area;
- Parental Inquiry: Parents and guardians may directly inquire about a person of concern, such as someone interacting with their child in a school, community, or sporting environment.
This approach aims to balance transparency and privacy, ensuring access to critical information while implementing safeguards to prevent misuse.
Conclusion
Daniel’s Law represents a significant step forward in child protection legislation in Queensland. By providing a robust and accessible framework for identifying potential risks, this initiative seeks to empower parents and communities to make informed decisions and safeguard their children’s wellbeing.
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