Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Cash, who is representing the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Dutton. Everybody in this chamber, and probably across Australia, knows I've campaigned for years on one issue—I've even been to jail over it!—and that's the need for a national public register of convicted child-sex offenders. I want to compliment the Morrison government for embracing my long campaign, and my thanks go to Mr Dutton for getting most, if not all, of what I wanted through cabinet. We now need the cooperation of state and territory governments, and my question is: what progress, if any, has been made, and is it now on the COAG agenda?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Hinch, for the question. I do acknowledge your longstanding interest in relation to child-sex offender reforms. I do also acknowledge the comments you made in relation to the government, and, of course, we remain strongly committed to safeguarding children from sexual abuse in Australia, online and abroad.

In response to your question, the government is working with states and territories and key non-government stakeholders to establish the national public register of child-sex offenders to deter offenders and enhance community safety. We need, as you know, this nationally consistent approach. It is vital to afford nationwide community protection and ensure offenders cannot exploit jurisdictional differences to evade public scrutiny. I am advised that the Department of Home Affairs has consulted states and territories and targeted non-government stakeholders on a preliminary model. The department has received feedback through written submissions, as well as via a multijurisdictional teleconference with senior law and justice officials. I also understand that the minister is now considering the outcomes of this initial consultation process.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hinch, a supplementary question?

Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister tell us which state or territory is closest to coming on board? It was a Liberal Party policy at the state election in Victoria. Where is Victoria at now?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Hinch. In relation to Victoria, I don't have that specific information, but I will take it to the relevant minister that I represent and see if I can get any further information for you. My understanding is, and I am instructed, that some states and territories already see the benefit of publicly releasing certain information about child-sex offenders and have expanded their registration schemes in recent years. If I can come back to you with any further information, I will.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hunch, a final supplementary question?

Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I forfeit.