Child sex offenders could face life in jail under the new laws, which  NSW Attorney General Gabrielle Upton announced yesterday.

The maximum sentence for sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 will be increased from 25 years to life imprisonment.

An additional 13 child sexual assault offences will be added to the Standard Non-Parole Period Scheme.

This scheme is the guide for child sexual assault sentencing. 

Ms Upton is right when she says children deserve to live their lives free from abuse and harm.

“Child sex offenders threaten that right and we want to send a message in the strongest possible terms,” she said.

The changes are based on ­recommendations made by the Parliamentary Committee on Sentencing of Child Sexual Assault Offenders, which investigated the judicial system’s dealings with these types of offences.

Recommendations included an increased standard non-parole period higher than the current average sentences for those offences.

The government will also pilot ­the use of specialist judges to hear child sexual assault cases across the state and qualified experts, known as children’s champions, who will support child witnesses through the court process.

There will also be the option for pre-recorded cross examination evidence of child witnesses to keep them out of the courtroom.

Ms Upton said the tough new laws were designed to protect child victims, and ensure offenders were brought to justice.

The changes are welcomed.

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