It is a criminal offence to have sexual relations with children, whether in Australia or in another country.

To combat child sex tourism, Australia introduced laws that provide for jail terms for Australian citizens and residents who engage in sexual activity with children in foreign countries. The laws are contained in the Crimes (Child Sex Tourism) Amendment Act 1994 that came into force on 5 July 1994.

The law ensures that Australians who commit child sex offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia. The law also makes it an offence to encourage, benefit or profit from any activity that promotes sexual activity with children. The law applies to individuals, companies, or corporations and provides for a term of imprisonment of up to 17 years and fines of up to $500,000.

A number of Australians have been successfully prosecuted under these laws.

The Crimes (Child Sex Tourism) Amendment Act 1994 is contained in Part IIIA of the Crimes Act 1914 (as amended). The text of the Act is available on: http://scaleplus.law.gov.au/html/pasteact/0/28/1/PA005380.htm

The full text of the Crimes Act is available on: http://scaleplus.law.gov.au/html/pasteact/0/28/top.htm

Complaints concerning Australians who are suspected of committing child sex tourism offences should be directed to the Australian Federal Police. To report such complaints, please telephone the Australian Federal Police hotline on 1800 813 784, or write to: Transnational Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking Team, Australian Federal Police, GPO Box 401, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia