Qld: Opposition calls for sex crime register

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Qld: Opposition calls for sex crime register

By Paul Osborne, State Political Correspondent

BRISBANE, Aug 27 AAP - The Queensland opposition has called for serial sex offendersand paedophiles to be monitored for the rest of their lives.

The Victorian government this week announced a plan for a register of sex offendersand called for its adoption nationally.

Those registered could include offenders convicted of sexual abuse of a child, childpornography and child prostitution, anyone jailed for two or more sex offences and anyonejailed for a sexual offence involving violence.

Those failing to register would face up to two years' jail.

A voluntary victims' register would be set up, giving information on status, locationand impending release of offenders.

The Victorian register was based on a model set up in New South Wales.

Queensland Opposition justice spokesman Lawrence Springborg said today the state shouldadopt a similar register.

"A National Party government would also see stricter reporting requirements on convictedpaedophiles, making it mandatory after their release from jail," Mr Springborg said.

Mr Springborg said the law relating to sex offenders was deficient in many areas.

"The Attorney-General must put appropriate mechanisms in place for adequate sentenceson criminal offenders and in considering appeals take sensitive account of the concernsof victims and the community," Mr Springborg said.

The state government earlier this year began a review of laws and police powers relatingto sex offenders following a report by former watchdog, the Queensland Crime Commission.

Attorney-General Rod Welford said a national approach was needed and he would be puttingit on the agenda of a justice ministers' meeting in November.

"It's just not practical for one or two to go off alone," Mr Welford said.

"Queensland is certainly prepared to look at a national approach."

Mr Welford said a package of reforms which was being finalised would contain tougherpenalties for sex offences, more flexibility for courts to order treatment and supervisionand better protection for victims.

AAP pjo/sc/mg/sb

KEYWORD: PAEDOPHILES QLD