The laws create two new offences of sexual intercourse and act of indecency with a 16 or 17-year-old and prohibit adults in supervisory roles from having a sexual relationship with a young person in their care, even if they consent. Mr Corbell said the legislation would strengthen existing protections for young Canberrans.

''While the vast majority of adults are great mentors to young Canberrans, it is upon the government to ensure that there are adequate laws in place to protect against the few cases where the position of trust might be exploited,'' he said.

The bill, first introduced last year, followed calls from Canberra's courts, prosecutors and police who wanted the ACT brought into line with other jurisdictions. Mr Corbell said last year the laws would draw a clear boundary between adults and the young people in their care, making it less likely that those adults will abuse their positions of authority.

''There is no tolerance in our community for people in positions of authority like teachers, coaches and carers to take advantage of the young and vulnerable members of our community and I am pleased to see that these laws have received the majority support of the Assembly today,'' the minister said.

The list of position-of-authority relationships includes teachers, foster or step-parents, counsellors, health professionals, youth workers and sports coaches.

The legislation also introduces greater protections for victims of sexual and violent offences by allowing the use of their pre-recorded police interviews in court to spare them from having to give a second account in court.

The Assembly also passed laws that outlaw the possession of a tablet press in the territory.