Crimes Amendment (Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Child Sexual Abuse) Bill 2025

# Crimes Amendment (Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Child Sexual Abuse) Bill 2025 ## What it does This bill makes child sexual abuse offences carry tougher mandatory minimum prison sentences. It adds new offences to the list requiring a 5-year minimum jail term, increases some existing minimums from 4 to 6 years, and makes it much harder for courts to release offenders on recognizance (a promise to behave) instead of serving time. ## Why it matters Stricter mandatory minimums mean convicted child sex offenders will spend more guaranteed time in prison. It also removes judicial flexibility—courts can't avoid jail time except in genuinely exceptional circumstances, making sentences more consistent but potentially limiting judges' ability to consider individual case details. ## Key details - **New 5-year minimums**: Apply to three online child sexual abuse offences (sections 471.19, 471.20, and 474.22-474.23 of the Criminal Code) - **Increased to 6 years**: Several existing offences jump from 4-year to 6-year mandatory minimums - **Release orders restricted**: Courts can only avoid sending someone to prison if "exceptional circumstances" exist—a much higher bar than before - **Takes effect**: The day after the bill receives Royal Assent (expected late 2025)