Appendix A: Table — NSW and Commonwealth sexual offence provisions

[5-1300] Table — NSW and Commonwealth sexual offence provisions

Last reviewed: September 2024

The following Table provides information on NSW and Commonwealth sexual offence provisions including the time period the provision was in force (with links to the relevant legislative provisions), the maximum penalty for the offence, and Standard Non-Parole Period (SNPP) (if applicable).

Offences under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)

Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)

Section

Offence

Time period: Maximum penalty;* Standard Non-Parole Period (SNPP)

45

Female genital mutilation1

1/5/1995–19/5/2014: 7 yrs

20/5/2014–present: 21 yrs

45A

Remove person from State for female genital mutilation

20/5/2014–present: 21 yrs

61B (rep)

Maliciously inflict GBH with intent to have sexual intercourse

14/7/1981–16/3/1991: 20 yrs

61C(1)–(2) (rep)

Maliciously inflict or threaten ABH with intent to have sexual intercourse

14/7/1981–16/3/1991: 12 yrs

61C(3)–(4) (rep)

Maliciously inflict or threaten ABH with intent to have sexual intercourse, in company

21/2/1988–16/3/1991: 14 yrs

61D(1) (rep)

Sexual intercourse without consent with:

Person over 16 yrs

14/7/1981–20/2/1988: 7 yrs

21/2/1988–16/3/1991: 8 yrs

Person under 16 yrs

14/7/1981–16/3/1991: 10 yrs

61D(1A) (rep)

Sexual intercourse without consent, person under 16 yrs and under authority

23/3/1986–16/3/1991: 12 yrs

61D(1B) (rep)

Sexual intercourse without consent, in company

Person over 16 yrs

21/2/1988–16/3/1991: 10 yrs

Person under 16 yrs

21/2/1988–16/3/1991: 12 yrs

61D(1C) (rep)

Sexual intercourse without consent, in company, person under 16 yrs and under authority

21/2/1988–16/3/1991: 14 yrs

61E(1) (rep)

Indecent assault

Person over 16 yrs

14/7/1981–16/3/1991: 4 yrs

Person under 16 yrs

14/7/1981–22/3/1986: 6 yrs

61E(1A) (rep)

Indecent assault where person under 16 yrs and under authority

23/3/1986–16/3/1991: 6 yrs

61E(1B) (rep)

Indecent assault in company

21/2/1988–16/3/1991: 6 yrs

61E(1C) (rep)

Indecent assault where person under 16 and under authority and in company

21/2/1988–16/3/1991: 8 yrs

61E(2) (rep)

Act of indecency or incite act of indecency with person under 16 yrs

14/7/1981–16/3/1991: 2 yrs

61E(2A) (rep)

Act of indecency or incite act of indecency with person under 16 yrs and under authority

23/3/1986–16/3/1991: 4 yrs

61F (rep)

Attempt offence under ss 61B, 61C, 61D, or 61E

14/7/1981–16/3/1991: same as principal offence

61I

Sexual assault

17/3/1991–31/1/2003: 14 yrs

1/2/2003–present: 14 yrs; SNPP 7 yrs

61J(1)

Aggravated sexual assault2

17/3/1991–31/1/2003: 20 yrs

1/2/2003–present: 20 yrs; SNPP 10 yrs

61JA(1)

Aggravated sexual assault in company3

1/10/2001–31/1/2003: Life

1/2/2003–present: Life; SNPP 15 yrs

61K

Assault with intent to have sexual intercourse4

17/3/1991–present: 20 yrs

61KC

Sexual touching5

1/12/2018–present: 5 yrs

61KD

Aggravated sexual touching6

1/12/2018–present: 7 yrs; SNPP 5 yrs

61KE

Sexual act7

1/12/2018–present: 18 mths

61 KF

Aggravated sexual act8

1/12/2018–present: 3 yrs

61L (rep)

Indecent assault

17/3/1991–30/11/2018: 5 yrs

61M(1) (rep)

Aggravated indecent assault9

17/3/1991–31/1/2003: 7 yrs

1/2/2003–30/11/2018: 7 yrs; SNPP 5 yrs

61M(2) (rep)

Aggravated indecent assault

Person under 16 yrs

1/1/2009–30/11/2018: 10 yrs; SNPP 8 yrs

Person under 10 yrs

17/3/1991–31/1/2003: 10 yrs

1/2/2003–31/12/2007: 10 yrs; SNPP 5 yrs

1/1/2008–31/12/2008: 10 yrs; SNPP 8 yrs

61N (rep)

Act of indecency

Person under 16 yrs10

17/3/1991–30/11/2018: 2 yrs11

Person 16 yrs or over

1/7/1995–30/11/2018: 18 mths

61O(1) (rep)

Aggravated act of indecency, person under 16 yrs12

17/3/1991–30/11/2018: 5 yrs

61O(1A) (rep)

Aggravated act of indecency, person 16 yrs or over13

1/7/1995–30/11/2018: 3 yrs

61O(2) (rep)

Aggravated act of indecency, person under 10 yrs14

17/3/1991–30/11/2018: 7 yrs

61O(2A) (rep)

Aggravated act of indecency, person under 16 yrs, knowing it to be filmed for producing child pornography/child abuse material15

1/1/2009–30/11/2018: 10 yrs

61P (rep)

Attempt to commit offence under ss 61I–61O16

17/3/1991–30/11/2018: same as substantive offence in ss 61I-61O

63 (rep)

Rape17

31/10/1900–13/4/1955: Death

14/4/1955–13/7/1981: Life

65 (rep)

Assault with intent to rape

31/10/1900–13/7/1981: 14 yrs

65A(2) (rep)

Sexual intercourse procured by non-violent threats

21/2/1988–31/12/2007: 6 yrs

66 (rep)

Carnal knowledge by false pretence or representation

31/10/1900–12/6/2003: 14 yrs

66A(1)

Sexual intercourse, child under 10 yrs

29/6/2015–present: Life; SNPP 15 yrs

66A(1) (rep)

Sexual intercourse, child under 10 yrs

1/1/2009–28/6/2015: 25 yrs; SNPP 15 yrs

66A(2) (rep)

Aggravated sexual intercourse, child under 10 yrs

1/1/2009–28/6/2015: Life; SNPP 15 yrs

66A (rep)

Sexual intercourse, child under 10 yrs

23/3/1986–31/1/2003: 20 yrs

1/2/2003–31/12/2008: 25 yrs; SNPP 15 yrs

66B

Attempt, or assault with intent, to have sexual intercourse with child under 10 yrs18

23/3/1986–31/1/2003: 20 yrs

1/2/2003–28/6/2015: 25 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 25 yrs; SNPP 10 yrs

66C(1)

Sexual intercourse, child 10–14 yrs19

13/6/2003–28/6/2015: 16 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 16 yrs; SNPP 7 yrs

66C(1) (rep)

Sexual intercourse, child 10–16 yrs

23/3/1986–12/6/2003: 8 yrs

66C(2)

Aggravated sexual intercourse, child 10–14 yrs20

13/6/2003–28/6/2015: 20 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 20 yrs; SNPP 9 yrs

66C(2) (rep)

Sexual intercourse, child 10–16 yrs by person in authority

23/3/1986–12/6/2003: 10 yrs

66C(3)

Sexual intercourse, child 14–16 yrs21

13/6/2003–present: 10 yrs

66C(4)

Aggravated sexual intercourse, child 14–16 yrs22

13/6/2003–28/6/2015: 12 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 12 yrs; SNPP 5 yrs

66D

Assault with intent to commit s 66C offence23

Attempt assault

23/3/1986–30/11/2018: same as substantive offence in s 66C

Assault

23/3/1986–present: same as substantive offence in s 66C

66DA

Sexual touching, child under 10 yrs

1/12/2018–present: 16 yrs; SNPP 8 yrs

66DB

Sexual touching, child 10–16 yrs

1/12/2018–present: 10 yrs

66DC

Sexual act, child under 10 yrs

1/12/2018–present: 7 yrs

66DD

Sexual act, child 10–16 yrs

1/12/2018–present: 2 yrs

66DE

Aggravated sexual act, child 10–16 yrs24

1/12/2018–present: 5 yrs

66DF

Sexual act for production of child abuse material, child under 16

1/12/2018–present: 10 yrs

66EA(1)

Persistent sexual abuse of a child25

15/1/1999–30/11/2018: 25 yrs

1/12/2018–present: Life

66EB(2)

Produce child for unlawful sexual activity26

Child under 14 yrs

18/1/2008–28/6/2015: 15 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 15 yrs; SNPP 6 yrs

Child under 16 yrs

18/1/2008–28/6/2015: 12 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 12 yrs; SNPP 5 yrs

66EB(2A)

Meet child following grooming

Child under 14 yrs

1/1/2009–28/6/2015: 15 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 15 yrs; SNPP 6 yrs

Child 14–16 yrs

1/1/2009–28/6/2015: 12 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 12 yrs; SNPP 5 yrs

66EB(3)

Groom child for unlawful sexual activity27

Child under 14 yrs

18/1/2008–28/6/2015: 12 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 12 yrs; SNPP 5 yrs

Child 14–16 yrs

18/1/2008–28/6/2015: 10 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 10 yrs; SNPP 4 yrs

66EC

Groom person for unlawful sexual activity with child under the person’s authority

Child under 16 yrs

1/12/2018–present: 6 yrs

Child 14–16 yrs

1/12/2018–present: 5 yrs

66F(2)

Sexual intercourse with person with cognitive impairment by person responsible for care28

21/2/1988–present: 10 yrs

66F(3)

Sexual intercourse with person with cognitive impairment, taking advantage of impairment29

1/12/2008–present: 8 yrs

66F(3) (rep)

Sexual intercourse with person with intellectual disability, taking advantage of vulnerability to sexual exploitation

21/2/1988–30/11/2008: 8 yrs

66F(4) (rep)

Attempt to commit offence under s 66F30

21/2/1988–30/11/2018: Same as substantive offence

67 (rep)

Carnally know girl under 10 yrs

31/10/1900–13/4/1955: Death

14/4/1955–22/3/1986: Life

68 (rep)

Attempt to carnally know girl under 10 yrs

31/10/1900–22/3/1986: 14 yrs

71 (rep)

Carnally know girl between 10–16 yrs

1/10/1924–22/3/1986: 10 yrs

72 (rep)

Attempt, or assault with intent to carnally know girl between 10–16 yrs

1/10/1924–22/3/1986: 5 yrs

72A (rep)

Carnal knowledge of idiot or imbecile

1/10/1924–20/2/1988: 5 yrs

73(1)

Sexual intercourse with child 16 yrs under special care31

13/6/2003–present: 8 yrs

73(2)

Sexual intercourse with child 17 yrs under special care32

13/6/2003–present: 4 yrs

73 (rep)

Carnal knowledge by teacher, father, stepfather with girl 10 yrs or over and under 17 yrs who is pupil, daughter, stepdaughter33

1/10/1924–22/3/1986: 14 yrs

23/3/1986–31/8/1987: 8 yrs

1/9/1987–12/6/2003: 8 yrs

73A

Sexual touching, young person 16–18 yrs under special care34

Child 16 yrs

1/12/2018–present: 4 yrs

Child 17 yrs

1/12/2018–present: 2 yrs

74 (rep)

Attempted carnal knowledge by teacher, father, stepfather with girl 10–16 yrs who is pupil, daughter, stepdaughter35

1/10/1924–22/3/1986: 7 yrs

23/3/1986–12/6/2003: 8 yrs

76 (rep)

Indecent assault, female under 16 yrs

1/10/1924–1/8/1974: 5 yrs

2/8/1974–13/7/1981: 6 yrs

76A (rep)

Commit act of indecency, girl under 16 yrs

2/8/1974–13/7/1981: 2 yrs

78A(1)

Incest/sexual intercourse with close family member who is of or above 16 yrs36

13/6/2003–present: 8 yrs

78A (rep)

Incest/carnal knowledge of child, sibling, parent, grandparent37

Victim any age

1/10/1924–22/3/1986: 7 yrs

Female victim of or above 16 yrs

23/3/1986–12/6/2003: 7 yrs

78B

Attempt offence under s 78A38

1/10/1924–present: 2 yrs

78H (rep)

Homosexual intercourse, male under 10 yrs

8/6/1984–11/1/1990: Life

12/1/1990–31/1/2003: 25 yrs

78I (rep)

Attempt or assault with intent to have homosexual intercourse, male under 10 yrs

8/6/1984–31/1/2003: 14 yrs

78K (rep)

Homosexual intercourse, male between 10 and 18 yrs

8/6/1984–12/6/2003: 10 yrs

78L (rep)

Attempt, or assault male 10–18 yrs with intention to have homosexual intercourse

8/6/1984–12/6/2003: 5 yrs

78M (rep)

Homosexual intercourse with idiot or imbecile

8/6/1984–20/2/1988: 5 yrs

78N (rep)

Homosexual intercourse by a teacher, father, stepfather, with male 10–18 yrs being pupil, son or stepson

8/6/1984–12/6/2003: 14 yrs

78O (rep)

Teacher, father, stepfather attempt, or assault pupil, etc, between 10 and 18 yrs with intention to have homosexual intercourse

8/6/1984–12/6/2003: 7 yrs

78Q(1) (rep)

Male commit act of gross indecency with male under 18 yrs39

8/6/1984–12/6/2003: 2 yrs

78Q(2) (rep)

Solicit, procure, incite or advise male under 18 yrs to commit act of gross indecency40

8/6/1984–12/6/2003: 2 yrs

79 (rep)

Buggery

1/10/1924–7/6/1984: 14 yrs

80 (rep)

Attempted buggery41

1/10/1924–7/6/1984: 5 yrs

80A(2)

Sexual assault by forced self-manipulation42

Victim under 10 yrs

17/3/1991–23/3/2004: 20 yrs

Victim over 10 yrs

17/3/1991–23/3/2004: 14 yrs

Age not specified

24/3/2004–present: 14 yrs

80A(2A)

Aggravated sexual assault by forced self-manipulation43

24/3/2004–present: 20 yrs

80D(1)

Causing sexual servitude

22/3/2002–present: 15 yrs

80D(2)

Aggravated causing sexual servitude, victim under 18 yrs

22/3/2002–31/12/2008: 19 yrs

1/1/2009–present: 20 yrs

80E(2)

Aggravated conduct of business involving sexual servitude, victim under 18 yrs

22/3/2002–present: 19 yrs

80G

Incite to commit sexual offence44

1/1/2009–present: Same as substantive offence

81 (rep)

Indecent assault upon male

31/10/1900–7/6/1984: 5 yrs

81A (rep)

Act of indecency by male with male

14/4/1955–7/6/1984: 2 yrs

81B(1) (rep)

Solicit or entice offence under ss 79, 81 or 81A

14/4/1955–7/6/1984: 1 yr

85A(1) (now s 86)

Kidnapping45

14/12/2001–20/12/2001: 14 yrs

85A(2) (now s 86)

Aggravated kidnapping46

14/12/2001–20/12/2001: 20 yrs

85A(3) (now s 86)

Specially aggravated kidnapping47

14/12/2001–20/12/2001: 25 yrs

86 (rep)

Abduct woman against will

31/10/1900–20/12/2001: 14 yrs

86(1)

Kidnapping48

21/12/2001–present: 14 yrs

86(2)

Aggravated kidnapping

21/12/2001–present: 20 yrs

86(3)

Specially aggravated kidnapping

21/12/2001–present: 25 yrs

87 (rep)

Abduct woman under 21 yrs against the will of parent etc

31/10/1900–20/12/2001: 7 yrs

87(1)–(2)

Abduct child under 12 yrs

21/12/2001–present: 10 yrs

90 (rep)

Abduct girl under 16 yrs

31/10/1900–21/12/2001: 3 yrs

90A (rep)

Kidnapping

Generally

15/12/1961–13/12/2001: 20 yrs

If person liberated w/o substantial injury

15/12/1961–13/12/2001: 14 yrs

91 (rep)

Take child with intent to steal etc

31/10/1900–21/12/2001: 10 yrs

91A

Procure for prostitution49

1/10/1924–present: 7 yrs

91B

Procure person for prostitution by threat, drug etc.

1/10/1924–present: 10 yrs

91D(1)

Promote/engage in child prostitution

Child 14 yrs or over

12/2/1989–present: 10 yrs

Child under 14 yrs

12/2/1989–28/6/2015: 14 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 14 yrs; SNPP 6 yrs

91E(1)

Obtain benefit from child prostitution50

Child 14 yrs or over

12/2/1989–present: 10 yrs

Child under 14 yrs

1/1/2009–28/6/2015: 14 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 14 yrs; SNPP 6 yrs

91F(1)

Premises used for child prostitution

12/2/1989–present: 7 yrs

91G(1) (rep)

Child used for pornographic purposes51

Child under 14 yrs

12/2/1989–31/12/2004: 7 yrs

Child 14 yrs or over

12/2/1989–31/12/2004: 5 yrs

91G(1)

Child used for production of child abuse material, child under 14 yrs52

1/1/2005–28/6/2015: 14 yrs

29/6/2015–present: 14 yrs; SNPP 6 yrs

91G(2)

Child used for production of child abuse material, child 14 yrs or over53

1/1/2005–present: 10 yrs

91G(3)

Child used for production of child abuse material — circumstances of aggravation54

1/1/2022–present: 20 yrs

91H(2)

Produce, disseminate, possess child abuse material55

17/9/2010–present: 10 yrs

91H(2) (rep)

Possess, produce, disseminate child pornography

1/1/2009–16/9/2010: 10 yrs

91H(2) (rep)

Produce, disseminate child pornography

1/1/2005–31/12/2008: 10 yrs

91H(3) (rep)

Possess child pornography

1/1/2005–31/12/2008: 5 yrs

91HAA

Administer digital platform used to deal with child abuse material

1/1/2022–present: 14 yrs

91HAB

Encourage use of a digital platform to deal with child abuse material

1/1/2022–present: 14 yrs

91HAC

Provide information about avoiding detection

1/1/2022–present: 14 yrs

91P

Record intimate image without consent

25/8/2017–present: 3 yrs

91Q

Distribute intimate image without consent

25/8/2017–present: 3 yrs

91R

Threaten to record or distribute intimate image

25/8/2017–present: 3 yrs

93AC

Child forced marriage

1/1/2022–present: 9 yrs

316(1)56

Conceal serious indictable offence where maximum penalty for the concealed offence is…

General

25/11/1990–27/11/2018: 2 yrs

Not more than 10 yrs

28/11/2018–present: 2 yrs

More than 10 yrs but not more than 20 yrs

28/11/2018–present: 3 yrs

More than 20 yrs

28/11/2018–present: 5 yrs

316(2)57

Solicit, agree or accept benefit to conceal serious indictable offence under s 316(1), where maximum penalty for the concealed offence is…

General

25/11/1990–27/11/2018: 5 yrs

Not more than 10 yrs

28/11/2018–present: 5 yrs

More than 10 yrs but not more than 20 yrs

28/11/2018–present: 6 yrs

More than 20 yrs

28/11/2018–present: 7 yrs

316A(1)58

Conceal child abuse offence, where maximum penalty for the concealed offence is…

Generally

31/8/2018–27/11/2018: 2 yrs

Less than 5 yrs

28/11/2018–present: 2 yrs

5 yrs or more

28/11/2018–present: 5 yrs

316A(4)59

Solicit, agree or accept benefit to conceal child abuse offence under s 316A(1)

Generally

31/8/2018–27/11/2018: 5 yrs

Where max penalty for child abuse offence is < 5 yrs

28/11/2018–present: 5 yrs

Where max penalty for child abuse offence is >/= 5 yrs

28/11/2018–present: 7 yrs

Offences under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)

Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)

Section

Offence

Time period: Maximum penalty; Minimum penalty**

272.8(1)–(2)

Sexual intercourse with child outside Australia

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 20 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 25 yrs; Min 6 yrs

272.9(1)–(2)

Sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with child outside Australia

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 15 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 20 yrs; Min 5 yrs

272.10(1)

Aggravated sexual intercourse or other sexual activity with child outside Australia60

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 25 yrs

23/6/2020–present: Life; Min 7 yrs

272.11(1)

Persistent sexual abuse of child outside Australia61

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 25 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 30 yrs; Min 7 yrs

272.12(1)–(2)

Sexual intercourse with young person outside Australia

General

15/4/2010–present: 10 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 10 yrs; Min 3 yrs

272.13(1)–(2)

Sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with young person outside Australia

General

15/4/2010–present: 7 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 7 yrs; Min 2 yrs

272.14(1)

Procure child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia

General

15/4/2010–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

272.15(1)

Groom child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia

General

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 12 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

272.15A(1)

Groom person to make it easier to engage in sexual activity with child outside Australia

General

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

272.18(1)

Benefit from child sex offence outside Australia

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 20 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 25 yrs; Min 6 yrs

272.19

Encourage child sex offence outside Australia

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 20 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 25 yrs; Min 6 yrs

272.20(1)

Preparing for or planning offence against ss 272.8–272.11, 272.18

General

15/4/2010–present: 10 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 10 yrs; Min 3 yrs

272.20(2)

Preparing for or planning offence against ss 272.12–272.13

General

15/4/2010–present: 5 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 5 yrs; Min 1 yr

273.5(1) (rep)

Possess, control, produce, distribute, or obtain child pornography material outside Australia

15/4/2010–21/9/2019: 15 yrs

273.6(1)

Possess, control, produce, distribute, or obtain child abuse material outside Australia

General

15/4/2010–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

273.7

Aggravated s 273.6 offence

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 20 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 30 yrs; Min 7 yrs

273A.1

Possess child-like sex dolls

General

21/9/2019–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

273B.4

Fail to protect child at risk of child sexual abuse offence

20/3/2020–present: 5 yrs

273B.5(1)

Fail to report child sexual abuse offence based on reasonable abuse

20/3/2020–present: 3 yrs

273B.5(2)

Fail to report child sexual abuse offence based on reasonable suspicion

20/3/2020–present: 2 yrs

471.16 (rep)

Use postal or similar service for child pornography

15/4/2010–21/9/2019: 15 yrs

471.17 (rep)

Possess, control, produce, supply or obtain child pornography for use via postal or similar service

15/4/2010–21/9/2019: 15 yrs

471.19

Use postal or similar service for child abuse material

General

15/4/2010–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

471.20

Possess, control, produce, supply or obtain child abuse material for use via postal or similar service

General

15/4/2010–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

471.22

Aggravated offence — offence involving conduct on 3 or more occasions and 2 or more people

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 25 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 30 yrs; Min 7 yrs

471.24

Use postal or similar service to procure persons under 16 yrs

General

15/4/2010–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

471.25(1)–(2)

Use postal or similar service to groom persons under 16 yrs for sexual activity with sender or another person over 18 yrs

General

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 12 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

471.25(3)

Use postal or similar service to groom persons under 16 yrs for sexual activity with another person to take place in presence of sender or another person over 18 yrs

General

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

471.25A

Use postal or similar service to groom another person to make it easier to procure persons under 16 yrs

General

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

471.26

Use postal or similar service to send indecent material to person under 16 yrs

General

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 7 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 10 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 10 yrs; Min 3 yrs

474.19 (rep)

Use carriage service for child pornography62

1/3/2005–14/4/2010: 10 yrs

15/4/2010–20/9/2019: 15 yrs

474.20 (rep)

Possess, control, produce, supply or obtain child pornography for use through a carriage service

1/3/2005–14/4/2010: 10 yrs

15/4/2010–20/9/2019: 15 yrs

474.22

Use carriage service for child abuse material63

General

1/3/2005–14/4/2010: 10 yrs

15/4/2010–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

474.22A

Possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service

General

21/9/2019–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

474.23

Possess, control, produce, supply or obtain child abuse material for use through a carriage service

General

1/3/2005–14/4/2010: 10 yrs

15/4/2010–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

474.23A

Create, control, promote child abuse material to commit or facilitate offence against ss 474.22(1), 474.22A(1) or 474.23

23/6/2020–present: 20 yrs; Min 5 yrs

474.24A

Aggravated offence — offence involving conduct on 3 or more occasions and 2 or more people

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 25 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 30 yrs; Min 7 yrs

474.25A

Use carriage service for sexual activity with person under 16 yrs

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 15 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 20 yrs; Min 5 yrs

474.25B

Aggravated s 474.25A offence

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 25 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 30 yrs; Min 7 yrs

474.25C

Use carriage service to prepare or plan to cause harm, engage in sexual activity or procure persons under 16 yrs to engage in sexual activity

23/6/2017–present: 10 yrs

474.26

Use carriage service to procure persons under 16 yrs

General

1/3/2005–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

474.27(1)–(2)

Use carriage service to groom person under 16 yrs to engage in sexual activity with the sender or another adult

General

1/3/2005–22/6/2020: 12 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

474.27(3)

Use carriage service to groom person under 16 yrs to engage in sexual activity with another child in presence of the sender or another adult

General

1/3/2005–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

474.27AA

Use carriage service to groom another person to make it easier to procure persons under 16 yrs

General

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 15 yrs; Min 4 yrs

474.27A

Use carriage service to transmit indecent communication to person under 16 yrs

General

15/4/2010–22/6/2020: 7 yrs

23/6/2020–present: 10 yrs

With prior conviction

23/6/2020–present: 10 yrs; Min 3 yrs

Offences under the Customs Act 1901 (Cth)

Customs Act 1901 (Cth)

Section

Offence

Time period: Maximum penalty

233BAB

Import or export child pornography/child abuse material64

26/5/2000–present: 10 yrs and/or 2,500 pu


*Hereafter, years will refer to years of imprisonment.

1Amended 27/11/2003 — “a person authorised to practise midwifery under the Nurses Act 1991” in s 45(7)(a) replaced with “a midwife within the meaning of the Nurses and Midwives Act 1991”. Amended 16/6/2010 — inserting new definitions of “authorised professional”, “medical practitioner” and “medical student” in s 45(7). Amended 20/5/2014 to omit s 45(2). Amended 8/1/2018 — inserting new definition of “medical student”.

2Amended 15/2/2008 — wording of circumstance of aggravation in s 61J(2) amended from “maliciously” to “intentionally or recklessly”. Amended 1/12/2008 — wording in s 61J(2)(g) amended from “serious intellectual disability” to “cognitive impairment”. Amended 1/1/2009 — inserted new circumstances of aggravation in s 61J(2)(h) and (i); inserted s 61J(3) defining “building”. Amended 22/2/2010 — wording of s 61J(3) amended. Amended 1/6/2022 — wording in s 61J(2) amended from “alleged offender” to “accused person”; wording amended from “alleged victim” to “complainant”.

3Amended 15/2/2008 — wording of circumstance of aggravation in s 61JA(2) amended from “maliciously” to “intentionally or recklessly”. Amended 1/6/2022 — wording in s 61JA(1)(c) amended from “alleged offender” to “accused person”; wording amended from “alleged victim” to “complainant”.

4Amended 15/2/2008 — wording amended from “maliciously” to “intentionally or recklessly”.

5Amended 1/6/2022 — wording amended from “alleged offender” to “accused person”; wording amended from “alleged victim” to “complainant”.

6ibid.

7ibid.

8ibid.

9Amended 1/12/2008 — wording in s 61J(2)(g) amended from “serious intellectual disability” to “cognitive impairment”. Amended 1/1/2009 — age changed from 10 yrs to 16 yrs; s 61M(3)(b) omitted.

10Amended 3/5/1992 — wording amended.

11Amended 1/7/1995 — s 61N substituted with s 61N(1)–(2).

12Wording amended 1/9/1999. Wording in s 61O(3) amended 1/12/2008 from “serious intellectual disability” to “cognitive impairment”.

13Wording in s 61O(3) amended 1/12/2008 from “serious intellectual disability” to “cognitive impairment”.

14Wording amended 1/9/1999.

15Section 61O(4) inserted 1/1/2009, defining “child pornography” and meaning of an act of indecency being “filmed” for the purposes of s 61O(2A). Wording amended 17/9/2010 from “pornography” to “abuse material”.

16Expanded 1/10/2001 to include attempt to commit s 61JA offence.

17Amended 14/7/1981 to “Common law offences of rape and attempted rape abolished”. Renumbered 2/7/2018 as s 80AD.

18Amended 1/12/2018 — wording amended from “another person” to “a child”; wording amended from “any such person” to “a child who is under the age of 10 years”.

19Amended 15/2/2008 — wording of circumstance of aggravation in s 66C(5) amended from “maliciously” to “intentionally or recklessly”. Amended 1/12/2008 — wording in s 66C(5) amended from “serious intellectual disability” to “cognitive impairment”. Amended 1/1/2009 — inserted s 66C(5)(h) new circumstance of aggravation. Amended 19/5/2009 — inserted new s 66C(5)(i) new circumstance of aggravation. Amended 1/12/2018 — wording in s 66C(1)–(4) amended from “another person” to “a child”. Amended 1/6/2022 — wording in s 66C(5) amended from “alleged offender” to “accused person”; wording amended from “alleged victim” to “complainant”.

20ibid.

21ibid.

22ibid.

23Amended 1/12/2018 — substituted with new s 66D offence removing the “attempt” element.

24Amended 1/6/2022 — wording amended from “alleged offender” to “accused person”; wording amended from “alleged victim” to “complainant”.

25Amended 1/10/2001 — wording in s 66EA(12) amended to include s 61JA in definition of “sexual offence”. Amended 1/12/2018 — substituted with similar but new offence.

26Amended 1/1/2009 — s 66EB(1) expanded to include “15A”; wording of s 66EB(6), (8) amended to include s 66EB(2A), (2B).

27Amended 1/12/2018 — s 66EB(3)(a) amended to insert “or with any financial or other material benefit”.

28Amended 1/12/2008 — wording amended from “serious intellectual disability” to “cognitive impairment”. Amended 24/9/2012 — wording of defence in s 66F(7) changed from “an established de facto partner” to “the de facto partner”. Amended 1/12/2018 — substituted offence inserting subsections including; s 66F(5) regarding consent not being a defence for sexual intercourse; s 66F(7) inserting defences to s 66F(2) or (3) charges; s 66F(8) requiring Attorney General’s approval for prosecution of s 66F(2) or (3) charges.

29ibid.

30Amended 1/12/2008 — substituted with similar but new offence.

31Amended 24/9/2012 — wording of special care in s 73(3)(a) amended. Amended 21/3/2018 — inserted s 73(3)(b) to expand the meaning of “under special care”; inserted definition of “member of the teaching staff” in s 73(6). Amended 1/12/2018 — wording in s 73(1)–(2) amended from “another person” to “a young person”; wording in s 73(3)(a) amended from “foster parent” to “authorised carer”. Amended 23/6/2020 — inserted s 73(3)(b)–(b1) and (f)–(g) to expand the meaning of “under special care”. Amended 1/6/2022 — wording of s 73(3) amended from “the victim” to “the complainant”; “the offender” to “the accused person”.

32ibid.

33Amended 23/3/1986 — wording amended from “of or above the age of ten years, and under the age of seventeen years” to “of the age of 16 years”. Amended 28/5/1987 — wording amended from “of the age of 16 years” to “of or above the age of 16 years, and under the age of 17 years”. Substituted with similar but new offence 13/6/2003.

34Amended 23/6/2020 — inserted s 73A(3)(b)–(b1) and (f)–(g) to expand the meaning of “under special care”. Amended 1/6/2022 — wording of s 73A(3) amended from “the victim” to “the complainant”; “the offender” to “the accused person”.

35Amended 23/3/1986 — wording amended from “of or above the age of ten years, and under the age of seventeen years” to “of the age of 16 years”. Amended 28/5/1987 — wording amended from “of the age of 16 years” to “of or above the age of 16 years, and under the age of 17 years.

36Amended 23/6/2020 — inserted exception to offence under s 78A(1) in s 78A(1A).

37Amended 23/3/1986 — wording amended to insert before “his mother”, “a female of or above the age of 16 years who is”.

38Amended 13/6/2003 — wording amended from “whosoever, being a male” to “any person who”.

39Amended 3/5/1992 — wording amended to insert “or towards” after “with”.

40Amended 3/5/1992 — wording amended to insert “or towards” after “with”.

41Amended 6/11/1951 — wording amended to insert “with or without the consent of such person”.

42Amended 19/6/1996 — insert “(including a surgically constructed vagina)” to the wording of s 80A(1). Amended 24/3/2004 — insert definition of “circumstances of aggravation”. Amended 15/2/2008 — wording of s 80A(1) amended from “maliciously” to “intentionally or recklessly”. Amended 1/12/2008 — wording in s 80A(1)(g) amended from “serious intellectual disability” to “cognitive impairment”. Amended 1/6/2022 — wording of s 80A(1) amended from “alleged offender” to “accused person”; wording amended from “alleged victim” to “complainant”; omit “(including a surgically constructed vagina)”.

43Amended 15/2/2008 — wording of s 80A(1) amended from “maliciously” to “intentionally or recklessly”. Amended 1/12/2008 — wording in s 80A(1)(g) amended from “serious intellectual disability” to “cognitive impairment”. Amended 1/6/2022 — wording of s 80A(1) amended from “alleged offender” to “accused person”; wording amended from “alleged victim” to “complainant”; omit “(including a surgically constructed vagina)”.

44Amended 1/12/2018 — amended s 80G(5) regarding offences that do not constitute a s 80G(1) offence when incited.

45Renumbered 21/12/2001 from s 85A to s 86.

46Renumbered 21/12/2001 from s 85A to s 86.

47Renumbered 21/12/2001 from s 85A to s 86.

48Amended 24/9/2012 — inserted s 86(1)(1a) “with the intention of committing a serious indictable offence, or” into the definition of the basic offence.

49Amended 2/8/1974 — wording amended from “female under the age of twenty-one years, whether with her consent or not, with intent that some other person may have carnal knowledge of such female” to “person, whether with that person's consent or not, for purposes of prostitution”. Amended 1/8/1979 — insert “(not being a prostitute)”.

50Amended 1/1/2009 — inserted “or, if the act of child prostitution involves a child under the age of 14 years, to imprisonment for 14 years” after “10 years” in s 91E(1); inserted s 91E(3).

51Amended 25/1/1998 — wording amended in from “employs” to “uses”; amended wording in s 91G(2).

52Amended 17/9/2010 — wording amended from “for pornographic purposes” to “for the production of child abuse material”; s 91G(3) omitted. Amended 1/12/2018 — inserted s 91G(6) requiring approval of Director of Public Prosecutions to institute proceedings for a s 91G offence against a child or young person.

53ibid.

54ibid.

55Amended 1/12/2018 — inserted s 91H(3) requiring approval of Director of Public Prosecutions to institute proceedings for a s 91H offence against a child or young person.

56Amended 30/3/1998 to insert s 316(4)–(5). Amended 30/6/1998 to insert new s 316(5). Amended 1/1/2000 to replace “serious offence” with “serious indictable offence”. Amended 31/8/2018 — wording in s 316(4), insert s 316(6). Amended 28/9/2020 to insert s 316(1A)-(1B), new definitions in s 316(6). Amended 22/11/2019 to become a prescribed sexual offence.

57ibid.

58Amended 28/11/2018 to insert s 316A(2)(g), new definitions in s 316A(9).

59ibid.

**References to prior convictions mean prior convictions for a child abuse offence. Minimum penalties found in Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) ss 16AAA–16AAB.

60Amended 23/06/2020 — wording of heading amended; s 272.10(1)(b) substituted.

61Amended 21/9/2019 — reduced the required instances of sexual abuse from 3 or more occasions to 2 or more occasions.

62Amended 15/4/2010 — s 474.19(1)(a) substituted; s 474.19(2A) inserted. Amended 10/3/2016 — wording amended to “commits” instead of “is guilty of”.

63Amended 15/4/2010 — s 474.22(1)(a) substituted; s 474.22(2A) inserted. Amended 10/3/2016 — wording amended to “commits” instead of “is guilty of”.

64Amended 15/12/2001 — wording in s 233BAB(5)(a), (6)(a) amended from “knowingly or recklessly” to “intentionally”; s 233BAB(5)(b), (6)(b) substituted; s 233BAB(5A), (5B), (6A), (6B) inserted. Amended 1/3/2004 — s 233BAB(3), (4) substituted. Amended 6/3/2015 — s 233BAB(7) substituted. Amended 10/3/2016 — wording amended to “commits” instead of “is guilty of”. Amended 21/9/2019 — s 233BAB(4)(g) inserted; s 233BAB(1)(h) omit “child pornography or of”; repeal s 233BAB(3); insert expanded definition of “child abuse material” in s 233BAB(4)(c)–(f).