A Coalition government would launch a trial for a national child sex offender register, giving members of the public the ability to request information from police about whether someone interacting with their child has a prior conviction for child sexual offences.
The scheme would be based on disclosure models currently operating in Western Australia and the United Kingdom, which the Coalition claims have “unmasked” thousands of offenders.
Under the proposal, law enforcement officers could disclose information to parents or guardians on a case-by-case basis, but only when a child has an established relationship with the person in question and police determine disclosure is appropriate.
“As both a former police officer and a father, I’ve always fought to protect children from harm,” Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said in a statement.
“This is an idea whose time has come — and it’s time to act to protect our children. This scheme will act as a deterrent for offenders while giving parents vital information about their child’s safety.”
Government minister Murray Watt told ABC Radio National that a national child offender system is already in place, enabling police forces to record and share information. However, he didn’t confirm whether Labor would support the Coalition’s proposed register.
“We’ll always consider what additional tools our federal law enforcement agencies might need,” he said.
The Coalition argues the policy builds on its child protection record, citing the creation of the eSafety Commissioner and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, which it pledged to further fund. The proposed trial would receive $21.3 million for a 12-month pilot.
Coalition’s Tough-on-Crime Campaign Push
Reinforcing its law-and-order platform, the opposition also announced a $355 million package to establish a specialised “strike team” targeting illicit drugs. This task force would embed federal police officers within state and territory agencies, working alongside financial investigators and prosecutors. Proceeds from seized criminal assets would be reinvested into local communities.
Additionally, the Coalition pledged to upgrade drug detection systems, intensify efforts to intercept illicit drug shipments, tackle drink-spiking incidents involving date-rape drugs, and strengthen proceeds of crime laws.
Although policing is primarily a state responsibility, the federal government holds authority over transnational and organised crime. The Albanese government recently boosted funding to crack down on the illegal tobacco market by $156.7 million over two years in its latest federal budget.
Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash blamed the federal government for failing to address organised crime.
“We’re seeing crime gangs running rampant, especially in Victoria, and it’s unacceptable,” Senator Cash said.
“Anthony Albanese has been soft on crime, ignoring both the surge in organised criminal activity and the lawlessness associated with the CFMEU. Australians need a prime minister who prioritises public safety.”
Responding to the announcement, Senator Watt noted the timing of Dutton’s policy reveal so close to the election, pointing out the opposition’s past resistance to the government’s measures against money laundering and terror financing.
“It’s a little ironic seeing Peter Dutton drop this policy on the eve of an election after standing in the way of serious financial crime reforms,” Senator Watt said.
