Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson has offered support to the government's plans to strengthen territory child sex offender laws, and restated his calls for mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders.
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Last week Attorney-General Simon Corbell announced plans to require sex offenders to provide police with passwords for encrypted information, new search powers and the ability to publish names and photographs of a registered offenders who are wanted by police.
The planned changes, outlined in a consultation by the Justice and Community Safety directorate, are designed to stop convicted sex offenders who are registered with authorities from committing more crimes.
Police would not have the power to disclose an offender's status as a registered child sex offender.
Amendments to existing laws would also see offenders face as much as five years in jail or fines of up to $75,000 if they did not comply with an entry and search warrant.
Mr Corbell said the impact of the proposed changes on offender's personal freedom would be balanced against the need to protect children and the community.
Mr Hanson has called for further discussions between politicians and the community to make available effective laws to police and child protection authorities.
"I've been calling for the government to take action when it comes to child sex offences. I'm glad they have and I look forward to working with the government on their draft legislation," he said.
"It is very important that we have the full suite of measures available to make sure we reduce the chance of paedophiles interacting with children."
He pledged to work co-operatively with the government to improve protections.
"I have an open mind. What I want to do is sit down with the government, have a discussion about what these measures are, how they will work on the ground, maybe have some discussions with the Chief Police Office who seems to have a major role in these measures," Mr Hanson said.
"Any sensible measure that is aimed at protecting our children is a good thing."
Mr Hanson said mandatory sentences for repeat child sex offender should be considered as part of the changes. Mandatory minimum laws have a controversial history in Australia and overseas.
In 2012, "two strike" laws passed by the Queensland Parliament see repeat offenders who commit serious sex crimes against children 16 years or younger jailed for life with a 20 years non-parole period.
The laws passed by the former Newman government have been widely criticised, including by members of the newly former Labor government while in opposition.
"I think ... it makes sense to still have a discussion about mandatory minimums for repeat sex offenders," Mr Hanson said. "I am disappointed the government has taken that off the table.
"It is always a fine line between civil liberties and making sure we've got the right criminal code, the right actions the police can take. I do think that when it comes to child sex offences, these are a special case. We've got to do everything we can to make sure our children are safe."
Mr Hanson cited a number of recent instances nationally had shown known child sex offenders could reoffend.
"People who have been charged with offences [and] who are on bail or parole, have then committed further offences. That is entirely unacceptable."
Community feedback submissions on the proposals close on March 20.
