MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshallhas today welcomed the passage of tough new laws through the NSW Parliament that will see child sex offenders face life in jail.
Mr Marshall said the government had delivered on its commitment to increase the maximum sentence for sexual intercourse with a child under 10 from 25 years to life, and include additional child sex offences in the Standard Non-Parole Period (SNPP) Scheme.
“The tough new laws will bring sentences into line with community expectations, help protect child victims, and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” Mr Marshall said.
“Child sex offenders will now face more time behind bars. Importantly, the laws will help better protect and deliver justice for the victims of child sexual assault.
“Children deserve to live their lives free from abuse and harm. Child sex offenders threaten that right and we want to send a message in the strongest possible terms.”
The reforms also provide for 13 child sexual assault offences to the Standard Non-Parole Period Scheme which gives the judiciary guidance on sentencing. The new standard non-parole periods will be significantly higher than current average sentences for the crimes.
For example, the current average sentence for sexual intercourse with a child between 10 and 14 is less than two years. The new standard non parole period is seven years.