❓ Hon Peter Foss questions the Justice Minister regarding the early transfer of a convicted child sexual abuser to a minimum-security prison, despite the government's stated priority of protecting children. The Minister acknowledges the issue and outlines policy changes.
AnsweredQoN 2068Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Minister to the Attorney General’s comments he made in the House on September 11 2003. ‘That when it comes to criminal behaviour, there is nothing more repulsive than people who exploit young children for their own sexual gratification and who destroy the lives of those young children in the process. Protecting children from sexual abuse is a priority of this Government.’ -
(1) Does the Minister agree with these comments?
(2) Can the Minister explain why Marc Barron convicted of child sexual abuse and sentenced on February 27 2004 to a maximum term of five years imprisonment, was transferred to a minimum security prison 67 days later?
(3) Will the Minister agree to take action to explain this to the young victim and her family?
(1) Does the Minister agree with these comments?
(2) Can the Minister explain why Marc Barron convicted of child sexual abuse and sentenced on February 27 2004 to a maximum term of five years imprisonment, was transferred to a minimum security prison 67 days later?
(3) Will the Minister agree to take action to explain this to the young victim and her family?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 June 2004
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for Justice
Response time
21 days
(2) Under the department’s classification assessment system Mr Barron was assessed as being a low escape risk and therefore was considered by the Department of Justice as suitable for placement at a minimum-security prison. However, I have directed that future assessments take into account issues of community expectations regarding proper punishment as well as matters of risk. As a result, in future all sex offenders will serve at least one third of their sentence in a secure facility. Accordingly, Mr Barron has been removed from the minimum security facility as per the new policy. (3) Yes
(3) Yes
(3) Yes
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