SIMON Corbell is seeking community views on proposals to strengthen the ACT’s child sex offender laws.

He says the proposed amendments will give police special powers to better monitor and manage registered sex offenders.

“The reforms aim to reduce the likelihood of convicted child sex offenders re-offending, and provide more support to authorities during the investigation and prosecution process,” Simon said.

“The Chief Police Officer will be able to issue a public notice, in limited circumstances, with the name and photograph of a registered offender wanted in relation to police enquires without disclosing the offender’s status as a registered child sex offender.

“Officers will be given new powers to enter and search a property, meaning personal details reported by a registered sex offender will be quickly and easily verified.

“Police powers will also be extended to allow officers to request a registered offender’s details relating to encrypted information, including passwords and other access details, when making an application for an entry and search warrant.

“Under new offences, offenders can face up to five years imprisonment or fines of up to $75,000 if they do not comply with an entry and search warrant.

“The proposed amendments are tailored to the ACT’s experience of child sex offence issues, however, they will not affect the overall integrity of the national scheme in relation to child sex offender laws.”

The proposed amendments to the ACT child sex offender laws can be viewed at justice.act.gov.au

The community can provide feedback before 20 March 2015 directly to the Justice and Community Safety Directorate at JACSLPP@act.gov.au or by writing to Legislation, Policy and Programs, GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT.