It is a criminal offence under Section 61G of the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 for a person to publish information about a registrable offender if the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the publication would create, promote or increase animosity toward, or harassment of, a person identified by this site.
Those found guilty of such an offence are liable for up to two years' imprisonment.
The purpose of Section 61G of the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 is to require certain offenders who commit sexual offences to keep police informed of their whereabouts and other personal details for a period of time to:
- reduce the likelihood that they will re-offend
- facilitate the investigation and prosecution of any future offences that they may commit
- prevent registered sex offenders working in child-related employment
What is a registered sex offender?
Offenders become registrable by being sentenced for sex offences against children. This includes possession and transmission of child pornography.
There are many offences which result in registration, and the reporting time frames are calculated according to what offences have been committed, and how many. An offender can be registered for eight years, 15 years, or life.
While it is possible for offenders who are under the age of 18 when they commit the offence to be placed on the register, this is determined by the sentencing court.
In addition, the laws allow a court to order that someone be placed on the Register for any offence - however, they must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the person poses a risk to the sexual safety of the community.
What are registered sex offenders required to report?
Registered sex offenders are required to report details to Victoria Police including but not limited to:
- contact with children
- membership of or affiliation to clubs or associations that allow child membership or involvement in their activities
- residential and frequented addresses
- phone numbers
- email addresses, ISPs and internet usernames
- motor vehicles (owned and generally driven)
- travel (domestic and international)
- employment
They are required to report these details annually, as well as report any changes within certain legislated time frames.
It is an offence to fail to report these details within the legislated time frame or to provide false or misleading information.
In addition, it is an offence for a Registered Sex Offender to a) apply for, or b) engage in employment that is child related.
This is defined in the legislation as employment that "inherently involves or includes contact with a child".
Reporting a missing registered sex offender
For information about current missing registered sex offenders, what to do if you see an offender, and reporting options, visit our Reporting missing registered sex offenders page.
Sex offender register statistics
View our Sex offender register statistics page to see how the statistics are published in Victoria.
Child safety resources
Updated