Strengthening protections for victims and survivors of sexual abuse

The Parliament has today passed the Albanese Government’s landmark legislation to improve the experience of victims and survivors of sexual violence in our justice system.

It is fitting that this legislation has passed the Parliament during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The Albanese Government is deeply committed to improving criminal justice responses to sexual assault which can have devastating, cumulative and long-lasting effects on the lives of victims and survivors, their families and communities.

The Crimes Amendment (Strengthening the Criminal Justice Response to Sexual Violence) Bill 2024 will:

• ensure that victims and survivors can speak out about their experiences if they wish, and allow media or others to identify them with their consent
• place greater restrictions on evidence relating to a person’s sexual experience and make evidence about sexual reputation inadmissible for all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse
• enhance protection for vulnerable people who appear as complainants or witnesses
• provide greater support to vulnerable people giving evidence by allowing recordings to be used in subsequent trials and retrials

The Bill implements a number of outstanding recommendations from the 2017 Final Report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and supports the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse (2021-2030).

The Government has also asked Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) to undertake an inquiry into justice responses to sexual violence which will report by 22 January 2025.

The reforms were developed in consultation with stakeholders, including victims and survivors and their advocates. I thank them for sharing their experience and expertise.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family, domestic or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit the 1800RESPECT website.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.