Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. Has the government put on the agenda for the next COAG meeting my demand, backed by hundreds of thousands of Australian parents, for a national public register of convicted sex offenders to be known as Daniel's Law after Daniel Morcombe, whose parents, Bruce and Denise, are here today. If not, why not?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hinch, before I address your question directly, I want to acknowledge and pay respect to the deep commitment that you have had in relation to this issue, first as a broadcaster and now as a parliamentarian. We are all assisted in our considerations of this issue by your presence among us as a passionate advocate.

Senator Hinch, you asked me about COAG. You would be aware that the government has established a national working group on child sex offenders, which comprises senior justice officials and police from each Australian jurisdiction and New Zealand. That was established through the COAG process. It is examining the efficacy of schemes involving limited public disclosure of sex offenders' details and other proposals to enhance existing measures to protect children.

Senator Hinch, it is a sad fact to have to report that at any one time in Australia there are up to 20,000 registered sex offenders. About 2,500 new offenders are convicted and added to the state and territory registers each year, while slightly less than that complete their reporting obligations each year. The government is progressing a package of reforms to enhance the existing arrangements to protect the community from the risks posed by child sex offenders. One of them, and it is another initiative for which you can claim some of the credit, Senator, is the decision the government has made in relation to the cancellation of passports. (Time expired)

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hinch, a supplementary question.

Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My supplementary question is to ask the government leader in this chamber, Senator Brandis: why do we have pointless supplementary questions, especially laboriously worded dorothy dixers, and will you support a Senate reform committee proposal to abolish them as in the other place?

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator Hinch, the purpose of supplementary questions is to actually support and inquire further in relation to the primary question and the answer given by the minister. I would have to rule that question completely out of order. Do you wish to rephrase that supplementary question?

Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, to prove my earlier point, I waive the next supplementary question.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Hinch.