Queensland parents will soon see names and photos of convicted pedophiles under Daniel’s Law
Queensland parents will soon have access to the names and photos of pedophiles in their area under new laws passed in honor of Daniel Morcombe.
Daniel’s parents Bruce and Denise Morcombe have long campaigned for a public sex offender register since their son was abducted and murdered by Brett Peter Cowan in 2003.
They joined Premier David Crisafulli as the Daniel Bill prepares to pass state parliament on Thursday
“It’s been more than 20 years since Daniel was taken from us, and every day since then we have fought to make sure no other family has to go through what we did,” Bruce and Denise Morcombe said in a statement.
“Daniel’s Law is about protecting children, empowering parents, and shedding light on what lurks in the darkness.
“We are incredibly proud to see Daniel’s legacy is so strong and will keep Queensland children safe for generations to come.”
Daniel’s Law will give parents in Queensland access to a list of convicted pedophiles, including child sex offenders released from prison on supervision orders, offenders who have failed to comply with those orders and offenders whose whereabouts are unknown.
Names and photos will be published, along with personal information such as identifying tattoos.
The registry will also include an area search that will allow parents to see if high-risk offenders live nearby. It will also allow parents to check whether anyone who has or will have unsupervised contact with their child is a registered offender.
Users must agree not to misuse information, and the plan will also introduce three new offenses to prevent information misuse or vigilantism.
“This is a monumental day not only for the Morcombes, who have shown incredible strength in defending these laws for over a decade, but also for every family in Queensland,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Families previously had no idea whether convicted predators were living on their street or next door, but this tool will help prevent monsters from hiding in plain sight.
“While no system will be perfect, these new laws will help parents protect our children who cannot protect themselves.
While it won’t list all pedophiles, authorities say it will help the public assist in often complex investigations.
Police Minister Dan Purdie said introducing Daniel’s Law would be one of the proudest moments of his career.
“Daniel’s Law will give parents something they have never had before: the power to know and the power to act,” Mr. Purdie said.
“This isn’t about fear or revenge; it’s about vigilance, protection and empowerment.
“We owe it to Daniel, his family and every Queensland child who deserves to grow up safely.
“Daniel’s Law cannot erase the past, but it can help preserve the future.”
The public registry is expected to be operational by December.
