Queensland has enacted a significant new law aimed at bolstering child safety by providing parents access to information about convicted pedophiles in their vicinity. Known as Daniel’s Law, this legislation honors the memory of Daniel Morcombe, who was abducted and murdered in 2003 by Brett Peter Cowan. The law was passed by the state parliament on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for child protection in the region.
The parents of Daniel, Bruce and Denise Morcombe, have tirelessly advocated for a public sex offender register since their son’s tragic fate. In a joint statement, they expressed their commitment to safeguarding children: “It has been more than 20 years since Daniel was taken from us, and every single day since, we’ve fought to make sure no other family goes through what we did. Daniel’s Law is about protecting kids, empowering parents, and shining a light on those who lurk in the dark.” They also expressed pride in seeing their son’s legacy contribute to the safety of children in Queensland for generations to come.
Under this new law, parents will have access to a register containing the names and photographs of convicted pedophiles. The register includes individuals who are child sex offenders released on supervision orders, those who have failed to comply with such orders, and offenders whose whereabouts remain unknown. Personal details, such as identifying tattoos, will accompany the names and images, allowing parents to conduct locality searches to determine if high-risk offenders reside nearby.
In addition, the law will enable parents to verify whether individuals who may have unsupervised contact with their children are registered offenders. However, users will be required to agree not to misuse the information, and the legislation introduces three new offenses aimed at preventing the improper use of this data or any acts of vigilantism.
Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the law’s importance, stating, “This is a monumental day, not just for the Morcombes who have shown amazing strength in their advocacy for these laws for over a decade, but for every family in Queensland.” He highlighted the previous lack of awareness families had regarding the presence of convicted predators in their neighborhoods and noted that this tool will help prevent offenders from hiding in plain sight.
While acknowledging that no system can be flawless, Crisafulli affirmed that these laws will assist parents in their efforts to protect children, who are often unable to defend themselves. Police Minister Dan Purdie described the passage of Daniel’s Law as one of the proudest moments of his career. “Daniel’s Law will give parents something they’ve never had before: the power to know and the power to act,” he stated. “This is not about fear or vengeance; it’s about vigilance, protection and empowerment.”
The public register is anticipated to be operational by December 2023, providing parents with a vital resource in the ongoing fight against child exploitation. As the Morcombes continue to advocate for child safety, Daniel’s Law stands as a testament to their dedication and the hope for a safer future for all children in Queensland.
