Megan's Law - public register of sex offenders

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Heather Steinberg
1 Toolara Road
TIN CAN BAY QLD 4580
Total Signatures - 497
Sponsoring Member: Rob Messenger MP
Posting Date: 18/10/2010
Closing Date: 18/4/2011
Tabled Date: 10/5/2011
Responded By: Hon Neil Roberts MP on 8/6/2011
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the lack of a public register of sex offenders notifying the public of the presence of a sex offender in their community.  Every parent has the right to know if a dangerous sexual predator moves into their community.  If a person sexually assaults children then a consequence of that conduct should be the placing of their details on a public register.  Protection of children outweighs the right of the offender.  Increase protection of children through knowledge - knowledge of who the offender is, what they look like and where they live.  Combination of tracking and notification means police and the public can develop plans, safety programs and victimisation prevention strategies to prepare for the presence of the offender in the community.  Public consultation means reduced chance of vigilantes and community rallies.  Refusal by the government to establish a public register could leave the government open to civil action for a breach of duty of care to children.

 

Your petitioners therefore request the House to implement a Megan's Law style public register of sex offenders to track the whereabouts of sex offenders and provide notification to the public of the presence of a sex offender in the community.