Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has called for urgent changes to Child Protection Legislation following a deeply disturbing allegation involving a Grafton student.
The alleged incident was recently brought to the MP’s attention and exposed an alarming loophole in the current legal framework where alleged predatory behaviour towards a 12-year-old child was not classified as "grooming" under existing laws.
Mr Williamson has urged the NSW Government to immediately implement amendments to Section 66EB of the Crimes Act 1900 to better protect children.
“The alleged offender in this incident is alleged to have sent a number of messages to a child late at night, which left the child’s family horrified. Yet, under current legislation, such behaviour does not meet the definition of grooming,” Mr Williamson said.
“This alleged incident has shocked our community and parents across the state. It is unacceptable that this type of behaviour is not legally considered grooming. We must act swiftly to close this gap in the law to protect our children, the most vulnerable in our community.”
Mr Williamson emphasised his commitment to working on a bipartisan basis to ensure the law is changed. He has already written to the Premier and pledged to collaborate with the Attorney General and other members of Parliament to ensure that predatory behaviour like this is recognised as grooming, and stronger protections for children are implemented.
“This alleged incident highlights the need for immediate legislative action,” Mr Williamson said.
“I have seen this Parliament come together before to make important changes, and I believe we can do it again. This is about safeguarding our children and ensuring they are protected from those who seek to exploit them.”
Dr Hugh McDermott, Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General, supported Mr Williamson’s call, stating that the safety of children transcends party politics, and bipartisan efforts would be made to amend the legislation.
Mr Williamson concluded, “If we can strengthen the law to better protect our children from grooming, we will have done something vital for the future of New South Wales. I won’t rest until this change is made.”
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