Derryn Hinch calls for a Queensland sex offender register

Broadcaster Derryn Hinch has made several appearances on the media promoting a US-style sex offender register. The proposal aims at improving the national sexual offenders law and providing important information for the community.

The broadcaster has served jail time for naming sex offenders and has been known for his strong position against these criminals. He has also received a big backing from the community, which were prompt to respond with signatures to express their support and urge for his freedom during his time in jail.

Mr Hinch’s campaign involved a a ten-day, 180-kilometre, walk from Langi Kal Kal Prison to Victoria’s Parliament House to present a petition with nearly 130,000 names calling for a national public register of convicted paedophiles. One of his biggest arguments has been: “If you don’t know who they are, you can’t protect against them.”

Although the proposal has received significant support from the community, some sectors have not back it up as they argue that a register could push pedophiles underground or lead to vigilantism. Child protection advocates, for instance, claim that continued detention of dangerous sex offenders, was the answer, not a register.

By Janeth Taborda

Sources: news.com.au