Coalition Pushes for Tougher Child Abuse Penalties to ‘Reflect Gravity of Their Crime’

The LNP is calling for an end to lenient sentencing, citing rise in child exploitation and abuse.

An abandoned children’s toy is seen on a path in Canberra, Australia on Dec. 10, 2021. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

With data showing Australia’s child protection crisis deepening, marked by a surge in nationwide cases of child sexual abuse, violence, and online exploitation, the Coalition is warning that existing laws are failing to deliver justice for victims.

Shadow Attorney General Julian Leeser introduced a bill to strengthen penalties for child sexual abuse offences, urging Parliament to close legal loopholes that allow offenders to walk free after serving minimal jail time.