Daniel’s Law introduced to parliament: Sex offender list to be made public
The law honours the legacy of Daniel Morcombe, whose abduction and death in 2003 led to two decades of advocacy from his parents, Bruce and Denise, and the establishment of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
Parents would gain unprecedented access to sex offender information under Daniel’s Law, but there will be severe consequences for vigilante actions.
Queensland last week introduced to parliament new laws to establish a public child sex offender register, known as Daniel’s Law.
If passed the legislation will delivers on a key election commitment of the Crisafulli Government and marks the next stage of the Making Queensland Safer laws.
Member for Nicklin, Marty Hunt MP, welcomed the reform as a “lasting legacy” that will help protect children across the state.
“As a former police officer who worked as a Detective in the Child Abuse Unit, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of these crimes,” Mr Hunt said.
“I also had the honour of working with Bruce and Denise Morcombe during my policing career on a Child Safety video, and I know their extraordinary advocacy has saved countless children. With Daniel House in my electorate, I am proud to be part of a government delivering Daniel’s Law — a lasting legacy that arms parents with vital information and helps protect children right across Queensland.”
Daniel’s Law establishes the Queensland Community Protection and Public Child Sex Offender Register, consisting of three tiers: a publicly available website with photographs and personal details of offenders who have failed to comply with reporting obligations and whose whereabouts are unknown; a locality search application to identify certain reportable offenders living nearby; and a parent and guardian application allowing parents, carers and guardians to apply to police to check if an adult with unsupervised contact with their child is a current reportable offender.
In practice, Daniel’s Law will allow Queenslanders to access information in these three ways while ensuring the system is not misused. New offences have been created to prevent people from using the register for harassment or vigilante activity. Inciting violence or targeting an offender using details from the register will carry penalties of up to 10 years’ jail, while unauthorised sharing of information will attract a maximum three-year sentence.
The register will be administered by the Queensland Police Service, which already monitors reportable offenders. Safeguards have been put in place to prevent misuse of information while unlocking access for parents and carers.
Premier David Crisafulli said Daniel’s Law was an important step to make Queensland safer. “Daniel’s Law arms parents with information to make decisions for the safety of their children,” he said. “Monsters cannot be allowed to lurk in the darkness — Daniel’s Law will help protect children who can’t protect themselves.”
Police Minister Dan Purdie said the law was “one step in a bigger picture” to strengthen child protection. “This is about empowering Queenslanders, not encouraging vigilantes,” he said.
Andrew Wallace MP said it was a good day for child safety in Queensland. Daniel’s Law will give parents the information and confidence they need to help keep their children safe, and it will deter offenders who think they can hide from scrutiny. I congratulate Premier David Crisafulli, Police Minister Dan Purdie and the LNP State Government for bringing this law forward and for their focus on restoring safety where Queenslanders live. I also acknowledge Bruce and Denise Morcombe, whose strength and persistence over more than two decades have driven change across our state and nation. Daniel’s legacy lives on in practical measures that help protect other children.”
The law honours the legacy of Daniel Morcombe, whose abduction and death in 2003 led to two decades of advocacy from his parents, Bruce and Denise, and the establishment of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.