Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Hinch, for the question. I do acknowledge your longstanding interest in relation to child-sex offender reforms. I do also acknowledge the comments you made in relation to the government, and, of course, we remain strongly committed to safeguarding children from sexual abuse in Australia, online and abroad.

In response to your question, the government is working with states and territories and key non-government stakeholders to establish the national public register of child-sex offenders to deter offenders and enhance community safety. We need, as you know, this nationally consistent approach. It is vital to afford nationwide community protection and ensure offenders cannot exploit jurisdictional differences to evade public scrutiny. I am advised that the Department of Home Affairs has consulted states and territories and targeted non-government stakeholders on a preliminary model. The department has received feedback through written submissions, as well as via a multijurisdictional teleconference with senior law and justice officials. I also understand that the minister is now considering the outcomes of this initial consultation process.