Govt fast-tracks fix to child sex law

The Government took the unusual step of putting a bill through all of its stages in Parliament yesterday as it moved quickly to fix a problem with the law covering the supervision of child sex offenders.

Justice Minister Simon Power said there were two "potential loopholes" in existing law which were created when the Parole Act 2002 was amended in 2007.

He said the loopholes might have allowed child sex offenders released on extended supervision orders to avoid conditions restricting their movements.

"These matters, if left unresolved, could have ... put the safety of children at risk."

Extended supervision orders are used for managing the release of child sex offenders who were not sentenced to preventive detention but still presented a high risk of re-offending on release.

The orders require child sex offenders to be on parole-type conditions for up to 10 years after release.

Mr Power said the 2007 amendments created doubt about matters that had previously been routine.

Labour's law and order spokesman, Clayton Cosgrove, said Mr Power was right to take the bill through Parliament quickly.

The bill became law on a 113-9 vote.

- NZPA

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