Changes to WA laws are expected to make the state more consistent with other Australian jurisdictions and reduce the likelihood of sex offenders reoffending. Photo: File.
Tough new conditions will enable the West Australian Police Force to better monitor and manage known sex offenders in the community under proposed laws introduced to Parliament this week.
Amendments to the Community Protection (Offender Reporting) Act 2004 will allow WA Police to enter and search any location occupied by a serious reportable offender without a warrant.
Police may also examine or remove any electronic device for review, with sex offenders required to supply relevant passwords, codes or information needed to access digitally-stored data. Failure to provide such information will be an offence, carrying a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.
Additional reporting requirements will be imposed including obligations regarding the disclosure of unrestricted property access, financial accounts and online communication as well as any changes to employment or vehicle use.
WA Police Minister Paul Papalia said the changes would bring the state in line with other jurisdictions.
“This legislation gives WA Police more power to monitor serious sex offenders and ensure they are obeying the strict conditions imposed on them to keep the community safe,” Mr Papalia said.
“Reportable offenders will be required to tell officers if they have access to more than one vehicle or property, including storage sheds, which bank they use, and who they are communicating with.
“These changes make WA laws more consistent with other Australian jurisdictions and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.”
The changes will also allow for a DNA sample to be taken from any reportable offender whose genetic code isn’t already stored on a forensic database.
Further, proposed amendments to Western Australia’s Sentencing Act 1995 will better align the state with other Australian jurisdictions by giving judicial discretion as to whether a juvenile convicted of a reportable offence should be subject to ongoing reporting conditions.
