News
7 November, 2025
Daniel’s Law ‘legacy of love’
THE passing of Daniel’s Law has been described as a defining moment in Queensland’s protection of children, with Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, calling it “a legacy of love, courage and community.”
The landmark legislation, passed in State Parliament last week, will establish Queensland’s first public child sex offender register, allowing parents and carers to access key information about convicted offenders in their area.
The legislation honours the legacy of Sunshine Coast schoolboy Daniel Morcombe, whose abduction and murder in 2003 sparked two decades of advocacy for stronger child protection laws.
Mr Powell, who spoke during the debate, said the law struck close to home. “For me, it struck heartwrenchingly close to home,” he told Parliament. “My wife Taryn and I moved to Palmwoods in 2003, Daniel’s community. We knew the bus stop, we knew the streets, and like so many parents we wondered whether this could have happened to our children too. Because of Bruce and Denise Morcombe’s tireless advocacy, generations of Queensland children will be better protected than ever before. If this register spares even one child from harm, it will have been completely worth it. Daniel’s Law is more than legislation—it’s a legacy of love, courage and community.”
The Community Protection and Child Sex Offender Public Register will be available by the end of the year and is designed to empower parents with information to keep their children safe.
Daniel’s Law introduces a three-tiered disclosure scheme: Tier 1 will be a publicly available website listing reportable offenders who have failed to comply with obligations and whose whereabouts are unknown. The offenders’ full name, photograph, and year of birth will be accessible to the public, but users must agree not to misuse the information.
Tier 2 will allow residents to apply online to view photographs of reportable offenders living in their local area. Tier 3 will enable parents or guardians to confirm whether a particular person with unsupervised contact with their child is a reportable offender.
The scheme will also create three new offences to prevent misuse of information or acts of vigilantism, including intimidation or harassment of offenders, and the publication or sharing of identifying information.
Member for Nanango, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Integrity Deb Frecklington said the passing of the law marked a pivotal moment for Queensland families. “This law gives parents peace of mind and ensures transparency and accountability when it comes to child protection,” she said. “Every Queenslander deserves to know that their government is doing everything possible to prevent harm to children.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie, a former child protection detective on the Sunshine Coast, said delivering Daniel’s Law was one of the proudest moments of his career. “Daniel’s Law will give parents something they’ve never had before—the power to know and the power to act,” he said. “This is not about fear or vengeance; it’s about vigilance, protection and empowerment.”
Bruce and Denise Morcombe said the passing of Daniel’s Law was a powerful tribute to their son and the mission they have dedicated their lives to. “Every day since Daniel was taken from us, we’ve fought to make sure no other family goes through what we did,” they said. “Daniel’s Law is about protecting kids, empowering parents, and shining a light on those who lurk in the dark.”
Mr Powell said the Morcombes’ determination had changed the course of Queensland’s future. “Because of their strength, parents across our state will have greater peace of mind knowing Daniel’s story has changed our future for the better,” he said.
