Vic laws to name sex offenders

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Law changes allowing judges to consider broader criteria when deciding whether to publicly out serious sex offenders will be introduced into the Victorian parliament on Tuesday.

The new legislation will apply to more serious sex offenders under supervision orders and will require judges to take into account the protection of children, families and the community when deciding whether their names should be suppressed.

The current law requires judges to only consider the interests of victims.

Under the changes, to be introduced by Corrections Minister Andrew McIntosh, judges will also have to take into account the offenders' history in complying with orders and their whereabouts.
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The government believes the changes will lead to more serious sex offenders being named in Victoria.

The changes will not be retrospective but, once through parliament, they will be considered when sex offenders have supervision orders reviewed.

The amendments are in response to recommendations made in the Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children report by retired Supreme Court judge Philip Cummins.

The changes will be debated in the next sitting week of parliament.