To combat child sex tourism, Australian laws make it an offence for Australian citizens and residents to engage in sexual activity with children under 16 in foreign countries. The law also prohibits individuals or corporate bodies from benefiting or encouraging the commission of a child sex tourism offence, and criminalises the grooming or procuring of a child for sexual activity overseas. It is also an offence to prepare for or plan a child sex tourism offence (for example, by arranging a trip for the purpose of child sex tourism).
Australian law also makes it an offence for Australians to possess, control, produce, distribute or obtain child pornography or child abuse material while overseas.
Australians who commit child sex offences whilst overseas can be investigated and prosecuted under Australian law. The penalties for these offences include a term of imprisonment of up to 25 years for individuals and fines of up to $825,000 for corporate bodies.
A number of Australians have been successfully prosecuted under these laws.
The laws are contained in Division 272 and 273 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The text of the Act is available here.
If you suspect an Australian of engaging in sexual activity with children, you should contact the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The AFP has a dedicated team to help prevent the occurrence of child sex tourism. The AFP cooperates with other countries’ law enforcement authorities to actively monitor and investigate Australian citizens, permanent residents or companies that are associated with such offences.
To report suspicious behaviour, please complete the Report Child Sex Tourism form on the AFP website or write to:
Child Protection Operations Team
Australian Federal Police
GPO Box 401
Canberra ACT 2602
Australia
Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.