The Sex Offenders Register in Queensland

What is the sex offenders register called in Queensland?

There are now two registers. The long-standing one is the Child Protection Offender Register, run by the Queensland Police Service under the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2004; it is not public and is used by police. Since 31 December 2025 there is also a public register under Daniel's Law. For free information on how either applies to you, call 1800 951 176.

Who gets put on the Child Protection Offender Register?

A person becomes a 'reportable offender' when a Queensland court convicts them of a 'reportable offence' under the Act, broadly sexual offences and certain serious offences against or involving children. In most cases registration follows automatically from the conviction rather than being a separate decision by the judge.

How long do you have to report for in Queensland?

It depends on your offences. Under sections 37 to 39 the period is generally 5 years for a single existing reportable offence, 10 years for most other single reportable offences (up to 20 years for a single offence committed after you were already notified), and life for repeat offenders convicted of more than one reportable offence after notice. Offences committed as a child attract reduced periods under section 39A.

What do I actually have to report, and how often?

You make an initial report in person within 7 days of sentence or release, giving details such as your names, addresses, vehicles, employment, online identifiers, passport and any children you have contact with. After that you report each February, May, August and November, update most changes within 7 days, report any child contact within 24 hours, and give at least 7 days notice before overseas travel.

What happens if I fail to report or give wrong information?

Failing to comply with your reporting obligations without a reasonable excuse, or giving false or misleading information, is a crime under section 50 of the Act. The maximum penalty is 300 penalty units or 5 years imprisonment. This is separate from, and on top of, your original sentence, so get advice quickly if you have missed a deadline. Call 1800 951 176.

What is Daniel's Law and will my details be made public?

Daniel's Law (the Community Protection and Public Child Sex Offender Register (Daniel's Law) Act 2025) created Queensland's public register, live since 31 December 2025. It has three tiers: a public website naming offenders who have breached their obligations and gone missing; a locality search for eligible Queensland residents; and a parent and guardian check for people who have unsupervised contact with a child. Not every reportable offender appears publicly, and how it affects you depends on your circumstances.

Can a member of the public look me up under Daniel's Law?

Only in limited ways. The fully public tier lists offenders who have failed to comply and whose whereabouts are unknown to police. The locality search and the parent and guardian check are application-based and restricted, with eligibility and identity requirements, and misusing the information or engaging in vigilantism carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment.

What is an offender prohibition order?

Under Part 3A of the Act a court can make an offender prohibition order against a 'relevant sexual offender' if satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the person poses an unacceptable risk to children and the order will reduce that risk. It can ban specific conduct, such as being near schools or contacting children. Breaching the order is a separate serious offence, so it is worth getting advice before any hearing.

Can I ever be removed from the register or have reporting suspended?

Registration generally runs for the full reporting period, but you can apply to the Supreme Court under sections 41 to 42 to suspend your reporting obligations. The court can only do so if satisfied you do not pose a risk to the safety of children. It is a demanding test, so legal advice is important before applying. Call 1800 951 176 to talk it through.

I have just been charged with a child sex offence. What should I do first?

Do not answer police questions or sign anything before getting advice, because a conviction can trigger years of reporting obligations and possible publication under Daniel's Law. Note your key dates, gather your details, and call Legal Hotline on 1800 951 176 for free information, then ask us to connect you with a vetted Queensland criminal lawyer.