The Government has agreed to proceed with a new bill that will target repeat sex offenders, which will broadly reflect proposals originally introduced by Minister of State, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.
Minister Moran has welcomed the news, saying the adoption by Government of his Private Members Bill seeking longer jail terms for serial sex offenders is a significant step towards the greater protection of women and children.
At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday this week, the decision was taken that the Criminal Justice (Commission of Sexual Offences ) (Amendment ) Bill 2017, originally proposed by Minister Moran as a Private Members Bill last April, will now be processed as Government legislation, with amendments, to be put forward as the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences ) Amendment Bill 2018.
The proposed Bill will amend the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences ) Act 2017 and will be targeted at offenders who commit second and subsequent sexual offences.
“My motivation for introducing the Bill is a result of meaning a constituent of mine, Debbie Cole, who has long campaigned for the victims of sex offenders. The law will now clearly set out society’s abhorrence at the repeat offending by serial sex offenders,” said Miniser Moran.
“Debbie Cole and victims like her deserve great credit and huge respect for consistently highlighting the need for Government to introduce stronger and effective sentences to deter serial sex offenders.
“I am absolutely delighted that I have been in a position to effect change and the fact that this Bill is now being legislated for reflects the change that can happen from the Independent Alliance.”
