George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Hinch, before I address your question directly, I want to acknowledge and pay respect to the deep commitment that you have had in relation to this issue, first as a broadcaster and now as a parliamentarian. We are all assisted in our considerations of this issue by your presence among us as a passionate advocate.

Senator Hinch, you asked me about COAG. You would be aware that the government has established a national working group on child sex offenders, which comprises senior justice officials and police from each Australian jurisdiction and New Zealand. That was established through the COAG process. It is examining the efficacy of schemes involving limited public disclosure of sex offenders' details and other proposals to enhance existing measures to protect children.

Senator Hinch, it is a sad fact to have to report that at any one time in Australia there are up to 20,000 registered sex offenders. About 2,500 new offenders are convicted and added to the state and territory registers each year, while slightly less than that complete their reporting obligations each year. The government is progressing a package of reforms to enhance the existing arrangements to protect the community from the risks posed by child sex offenders. One of them, and it is another initiative for which you can claim some of the credit, Senator, is the decision the government has made in relation to the cancellation of passports. (Time expired)