The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) is inviting Queenslanders to have their say on one of the laws protecting children from convicted child sex offenders living in the community.
The Child Protection (Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2008 gives police the power to apply for court orders to ban certain child sex offenders from activities that pose a risk to the lives or sexual safety of children. For example, orders may prohibit offenders from living in a house with a child under the age of 16, living near a child care centre, or loitering near a children’s playground or school.
The CMC’s director of Applied Research and Evaluation, Dr Rebecca Denning, said under the legislation, the CMC was required to review the operation of the Act five years after it took effect.
“This review is looking at a range of issues including how authorities become aware that offenders are engaging in concerning conduct, how authorities respond to this conduct, and how well the responses protect children,” Dr Denning said.
“We are also examining alternative ways that the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Corrective Services, and other authorities manage concerning conduct.
“As part of this review, the CMC is calling for submissions from the public.
“We are especially interested to hear from anyone involved in administering the Act and from those with personal experience with the Act.
“This is an opportunity for Queenslanders to share their views on how well this particular piece of legislation is working.”
The CMC’s research unit will also consult government agencies involved in administering the Act – including the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Corrective Services, and the courts – and analyse relevant data.
Anyone wanting to make a submission can do so by downloading a submission form from the CMC’s website and submitting it online, or by post, email, or fax.
Submissions can also be made over the phone.
Submissions open today and will be accepted until 5pm on 16 September 2013.
The review will be tabled in Parliament at a date yet to be set.
