United Future
Marc Alexander

Alexander applauds anti-child porn law

"United Future has been pushing the Government for some time on both of these issues and I am pleased that the Government has introduced this legislation," Mr Alexander, who has previously introduced a Member’s Bill with similar intent.

Changes to the censorship regime will ensure that the chief censor can ban photographs and publications of naked under-age children and restrict the distribution of publications that contain offensive language.

"My bill had sought to make the censor’s office a watchdog with teeth, and it is good to see the Government has now taken up the cause with a Bill that has the same effect.

"United Future has also been pressing the Government for some time to increase penalties for child pornography traders. Ten years is now a good start," United Future’s law and order spokesman said.

"Child porn is a scourge on our society and the young that has been made easy via the Internet.

"But what must never be forgotten is that each and every image is of a child being sexually abused. We can never tolerate that in any shape or form, and the Government is to be commended for taking this matter up," Mr Alexander said.

Ends.