I rise today to speak on the Penalties and Sentences (Sexual Offences) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.
I am proud to see the LNP Crisafulli Government taking decisive action after 10 years of inaction by the previous government.
I want to commend Attorney General Deb Frecklington and the many other Ministers for working hard to deliver this bill to the House.
This bill also reflects the tireless work of the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council and the community, ensuring our laws better protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
I thank them for their hard work.
This bill brings in new sentencing rules that better match community expectations and puts into action recommendations from the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council’s report on sentencing for sexual assault and rape in Queensland. Out of 28 recommendations, four key changes to the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 are included in this Bill.
- This bill recognises the harm done as a sentencing purpose.
- This Bill ensures an offender’s ‘good character’ cannot be used to reduce a sentence unless it is relevant to rehabilitation or risk of reoffending.
- This bill protects victims who are unable to provide a statement.
- This Bill makes sexual offences against 16 or 17-year-olds who are at a very vulnerable age, an aggravating factor.
Ultimately, the Queensland Sentencing Advisory council found issues with sentencing outcomes for sexual assault and rape offences but particularly for offences of rape committed against children, as well as the physical, emotional, psychological, and social impacts sexual offences have on their victims.
Simply put, this bill puts these victims first.
Harsher sentencing for these horrible crimes.
Crimes that are not only heinous in nature, but crimes that also have life-long impacts on the victims.
Of the victims and survivors who reported the impacts of child sexual abuse to the Royal Commission, 95% of those reported mental health-related issues, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sexual violence is not an isolated issue. It is a National crisis.
In 2022, 88 sexual assaults were recorded by police each day in Australia.
1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15
1 in 16 men have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15
1 in 6 women and 1 in 9 men were physically and/or sexually abused before the age of 15
Far North Queensland is considered one of seven hotspots in the state and has some of the worst numbers for sexual violence.
Cairns recorded 867 sexual offenses and 280 rape related crimes in 2024.
These stats horrify me and my heart goes out to these victims.
These are women, men, daughters, sons. Many are minors.
There were 867 recorded offences, however there are thousands more that go unrecorded.
92% of women who experienced sexual assault do not report it to the police.
History has shown over and over that “he’s a good guy” could get someone off these charges or stop someone from pressing charges.
Many victims won’t put themselves through the trauma of court, after the trauma of being raped.
Many victims cannot bring themselves to relive the moment, to share the specifics surrounding their rape.
This inability to testify was also used against them.
Under these new laws, even if a victim is unable to provide a statement, it does not lessen the seriousness of the crime.
Absence of detail will no longer equate to a weak sentence.
Unlike the former Labor government, we are making sure that we get these important changes to the sentencing framework right.
“He’s a good guy, he just made a mistake” will no longer be an excuse for sexual violence.
Good character with good references will no longer mean lighter sentencing.
Weak Blue Card laws under Labor’s watch meant that the list of offences that required the chief executive to suspend a person’s authority when charged was unclear, leaving gaps in protection for children.
This meant that individuals who posed potential risks could continue working with children while matters were unresolved.
Teachers, daycare providers, coaches – adults that our children are taught to trust.
Under these amendments, offenders cannot hide behind a blue card.
The current amendments retain the necessary list of offences and ensure that the Blue Card system operates effectively, protecting children.
Supporting this law means we are safeguarding our children. We are putting victims first and sex offenders where they belong – behind bars.
We are protecting our most vulnerable.
This Bill strengthens sentencing for sexual offences, ensuring the seriousness of these crimes is reflected in the penalties handed down.
It recognises the lifelong harm caused to victims and ensures that even if a victim cannot provide a detailed statement, this will not reduce the seriousness of the offence.
This Bill toughens sentences for sexual offences against 16- and 17-year-olds and stops offenders hiding behind ‘good character.’
Victims come first. Men, women and children who have been through an unimaginable breach of consent have their lives shattered.
These victims have their dignity stolen, and these crimes must never be excused, minimised or silenced.
Many victims are afraid to speak up, to retell their story.
Many victims are told it was their fault or that they are partly to blame.
The new laws allow victims to come forward, with or without a victim statement.
To be listened to, protected and assured that the “he’s a good bloke” card won’t hold up.
Offenders who previously relied on “good character” to reduce sentences- your actions are unforgivable. They are crimes that can never be excused. Crimes that have lasting impact for the victims. To the countless people living with the consequences of sexual assault this bill is for you.
We see you, we hear you, and we will do whatever we can to break this cycle. Sexual violence is a violation and is unacceptable. There are no “ands, ifs or ‘they’re a good person” about it. Mister Speaker, I fully support this bill.
