Daniel’s Law: Queensland Introduces Public Child Sex Offender Registry

More than two decades after the abduction and murder of 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe, Queensland has introduced landmark legislation aimed at strengthening child protection. Known as Daniel’s Law, the new bill establishes a public child sex offender registry, allowing families and communities to access critical safety information.

Key Features of Daniel’s Law

• Public Access to Offender Information: The registry enables individuals to identify child sex offenders who have breached court orders, check if any reside nearby, and investigate the background of people with unsupervised access to children.

• Legal Safeguards: To prevent misuse, the legislation includes penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for vigilante actions or improper use of the registry.

• Legacy of Advocacy: The law honours Daniel Morcombe, whose disappearance in 2003 sparked a national movement for child safety. His parents, Bruce and Denise Morcombe, have campaigned tirelessly for systemic reform and continue to advocate for a national offender registry.

“Today’s a really proud day for Daniel’s Law to be going through as legislation, and it’s Daniel’s legacy at work to keep all of our kids safe,” said Denise Morcombe.

The introduction of Daniel’s Law represents a significant shift in public access to safeguarding tools. For educators, compliance specialists, and child protection advocates, it reinforces the importance of:

• Transparent systems that prioritize child safety
• Cross-sector collaboration to support trauma-informed care
• Legislative reform that reflects real-world risks and community needs

As calls for a national registry gain momentum, Daniel’s Law may serve as a model for broader reform across Australia.

Reference:
Daniel's Legacy In Law To Protect Kids From Predators