Sex offender’s registry coming ‘as soon as practical’- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
In response to Deputy Speaker and Opposition Member Hon Stacy R. Mather, MBE (AL) asking the Minister for an update on his (Mather’s) call for a sex offender’s registry, the Minister for Health and Social Development said he wanted to affirm the member his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the territory’s children and young persons.
“And by extension, Madam Speaker, this government through my ministry is committed to ensuring that legislation is enacted to protect our children from the dangers posed by sex offenders.”
Draft bill already received- Hon Wheatley
Hon Wheatley said he was pleased to update the House on the progress of the sexual offences bill and that “The Attorney General’s Chambers has been diligently working on supplying the necessary draft legislation for the establishment of a sex offenders registry.”
The Minister said his ministry has, in fact, already received a draft of the sexual offences register bill.
“The draft is a critical step towards establishing a comprehensive legal framework to monitor and track sex offenders, thereby enhancing public safety and reducing the opportunity for sexual re-offending.”
More legislation & amendments necessary
Hon Wheatley said he had to emphasise; however, that a sex offender registry bill cannot stand alone. “The bill’s provision has a significant implication for other existing laws and, as such, the Attorney General’s Chambers has advised that a series of legislative amendments must be made to ensure a cohesive and effective legal framework.”
Giving examples, Hon Wheatley said the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill will ensure appropriate penalties for those who fail to comply with the register’s registration and reporting requirements while the Sexual Offenders Bill will finalise the list of registrable offences, which are still being refined.
“I am confident in the progress thus far. While we have received drafts and some of the necessary amendments, we are still awaiting others.
“In the interim, we have been conducting our own internal reviews of these submissions. Once all the drafts are received, a comprehensive review with the relevant stakeholders will be conducted to ensure that all aspects of the legislation have been fully vetted and fit for purpose.”
Hon Wheatley said he remains committed to bringing this crucial legislation before the House of Assembly “as soon as this is practical, with the working support of the Honourable Attorney General’s Chambers and her team.”
Would registry be retroactive?
Meanwhile, Hon Mather wanted to know if the registry would be retroactive for “those who have already committed these offences in our society.”
Hon Wheatley said it was an excellent suggestion and one which he could take up with the Attorney General; however, “Generally laws are not retroactive.”
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14 Responses to “Sex offender’s registry coming ‘as soon as practical’- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley”
Conversely, adding people to a list just because someone "said" they did something is not right either. I see us stuck between a rock and a hard place here and in the meantime people, especially young people, will continue to suffer at the hands of perverts.
LOOSE
After release.
Sentence should be 10yrs or more .
Sex offender sex offender.
Please please put them in the correct shoes.
My book "For the Sake of the Children" recounts the circumstances.