Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

It was remiss of me not to make specific reference to Senator Polley's contribution, which I appreciated. This is not a rebuke to Senator Polley—I would not dare ever rebuke Senator Polley, because I am not that silly!—but this is not actually a grooming offence, because there are specific offences in respect of grooming. This actually is a step before that—to say that there ought to be some offence for an adult communicating with a child and attempting to meet that child. At the moment, you need to show grooming for a sexual purpose, for the purpose of child exploitation. I am suggesting that there is certain behaviour that falls short of that—it is almost preparatory to that—where there is currently a gap in the law. I think that is what we need to address. I just wanted to clarify that. It is not a rebuke, Senator Polley. I could not bear the consequences of rebuking you!

Question negatived.

Enhancing Online Safety for Children Bill 2014, as amended, agreed to; Enhancing Online Safety for Children (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014 agreed to.

Enhancing Online Safety for Children Bill 2014 reported with amendments; Enhancing Online Safety for Children (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014 reported without amendments; report adopted.