The NSW government has increased the maximum sentence for sexual intercourse with a child under 10 from 25 years to life, and has included additional child sex offences in the Standard Non-Parole Period (SNPP) Scheme. 

Ms Upton said the legislation will help ensure sentences better align with community expectations. 

“Child sex offenders will now face more time behind bars. Importantly, the laws will help better protect and deliver justice for the victims of child sexual assault,” Ms Upton said. 

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Child Sex Offences) Bill 2015 amends the Crimes Act 1900 to remove the current distinction between the basic and aggravated offence of sexual intercourse with a child under 10. The consolidated offence will carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. 

The Bill also amends the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (CPSA) to introduce 13 new SNPPs for offences such as attempt, or assault with intent, to have sexual intercourse with a child under 10, sexual intercourse with a child 10 to 14 years old and aggravated sexual intercourse with a child 10 to 14 years old. SNPPs act as a sentencing guidepost to the judiciary. 

The new SNPPs will be significantly higher than the current average sentences for those offences. 

Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for the Illawarra and South Coast, Gareth Ward welcomed the new laws saying that the current average sentence for sexual intercourse with a child between 10 and 14 is less than two years but that the new standard non parole period was seven years.