❓ A parliamentary question seeks information on measures to protect children from convicted paedophiles, specifically regarding access to a register and restrictions on residency near child-frequented areas. The answer outlines existing criminal record checks and planned legislation for national checks, as well as the development of a Child Sex Offender Register.
AnsweredQoN 833Legislative Council
Asked
11 June 2003
Member
Portfolio
Community Development, Women's Interests, Seniors and Youth
QuestionView source ↗
In relation to calls by Bunbury residents to have public access to a register of convicted paedophiles -
(1) Can the Minister please outline what procedures are currently in place to protect our children from convicted paedophiles in the community?
(2) Are special measures undertaken to ensure that these offenders do not take up residence in close proximity to areas frequented by children, such as schools, kindergartens, playgroups, child care centres, playgrounds etc.?
(1) Can the Minister please outline what procedures are currently in place to protect our children from convicted paedophiles in the community?
(2) Are special measures undertaken to ensure that these offenders do not take up residence in close proximity to areas frequented by children, such as schools, kindergartens, playgroups, child care centres, playgrounds etc.?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 August 2003
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Community Development, Women's Interests, Seniors and Youth
Response time
62 days
(1) Currently key Government Departments including the Department for Community Development, the Disability Services Commission, Western Australia Police Service and the Departments of Justice, Education and Health, undertake checks of the criminal records of paid and unpaid employees to assist in determining their suitability to work with children. A person making an application to adopt or foster a child or to work in a child care service, a kindergarten or as a teacher, also undergo these checks.
The Government is also progressing its proposal to require, through legislation, that people working in certain paid, unpaid and voluntary positions with children undergo national criminal record checks. This legislation will mandate the undertaking of these checks and will establish standards and guidelines for the same. Drafting instructions for this legislation are currently being developed.
(2) Currently the Minister for Police and Emergency Services is working on the implementation of a Child Sex Offender Register and other complimentary child protection measures to develop effective monitoring of child sex offenders. As part of this project, consideration is also being given to additional child protection anti-loitering laws.
The Government is also progressing its proposal to require, through legislation, that people working in certain paid, unpaid and voluntary positions with children undergo national criminal record checks. This legislation will mandate the undertaking of these checks and will establish standards and guidelines for the same. Drafting instructions for this legislation are currently being developed.
(2) Currently the Minister for Police and Emergency Services is working on the implementation of a Child Sex Offender Register and other complimentary child protection measures to develop effective monitoring of child sex offenders. As part of this project, consideration is also being given to additional child protection anti-loitering laws.
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