MEDIA RELEASE

Petition 027-23

To remove the provision of good character references for paedophiles

in the sentencing procedures of child sexual abuse cases

Petition 027-23 (remove the provision of good character references for paedophiles in the sentencing procedures of child sexual abuse cases) was referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety, on 6 February 2024.

After careful consideration, the Committee has decided not to inquire into the Petition at this stage. While the Committee acknowledges the importance this matter, and notes that there were 567 signatures to this petition, it has decided to wait for the ACT Government to respond to the petition before considering this matter further.  Under the standing orders of the Assembly, the Minister must respond to the petition within three months of the tabling of the petition.

Depending on the nature of the Government’s response the Committee may decide to inquire into this matter at that time.

Details of the petition are available on the Assembly’s webpage at: Remove the Provision of Good Character References for Paedophiles in the Sentencing Procedure of Child Sexual Abuse Cases ACT Legislative Assembly

People who are affected by this issue may seek assistance from the following organisations:

22 February 2024

STATEMENT ENDS.

For further information please contact:

Committee Chair, Mr Peter Cain MLA on (02) 6205 1927

Committee Secretary, Ms Kathleen de Kleuver, on (02) 6207 0524 or at LACommitteeJCS@parliament.act.gov.au