In August 2025, the Crisafulli Government introduced Daniel’s Law Queensland, creating the state’s first public child sex offender register and significantly changing how reportable offenders are monitored and disclosed. Named in memory of Daniel Morcombe, the legislation amends the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2004 and introduces a new three-tier public disclosure system for reportable offenders.
For anyone currently subject to reporting obligations, or who may become subject to them in the future, Daniel’s Law Queensland represents a major shift. It expands police powers, increases the circumstances in which personal information may be disclosed to the public, and introduces stronger consequences for non-compliance.
What Is Daniel’s Law?
Daniel’s Law establishes a three-tier disclosure framework that allows police to release information about reportable offenders in specific circumstances.
Before these amendments, information about reportable offenders was generally confined to internal police databases. Under the new system, police may disclose identifying information to the public depending on:
- Your level of compliance with reporting obligations; and
- The level of risk police assess you to pose to children.
The key takeaway is this: if you are a reportable offender, your identity may be disclosed without your consent in a range of situations. Remaining fully compliant is the most effective way to reduce the risk of public disclosure.
The Three Levels of Disclosure Under Daniel’s Law Queensland
Tier 1 – Public Disclosure
Tier 1 is the most serious level of disclosure.
If you are placed in Tier 1, police may publicly release your:
- Name
- Photograph
- Location
- Age
- Identifying physical features
This information may be published on a publicly accessible website.
You may be subject to Tier 1 disclosure if you fail to comply with your reporting obligations and police are unable to confirm your location.
The consequences of Tier 1 disclosure can be severe and may include loss of privacy, safety concerns, and significant difficulties with housing and employment. Strict compliance with reporting requirements is the best way to avoid this outcome.
Tier 2 – Locality Search Disclosure
Under Tier 2, members of the public may request temporary access to images of particular registered offenders within their local area. Importantly, non-compliance is not required for Tier 2 disclosure.
A reportable offender who resides in the area and is assessed by police as posing a serious risk to the life or sexual safety of a specific child or children generally may be subject to Tier 2 disclosure, even if they have met their reporting obligations.
Tier 3 – Specific Disclosure
Tier 3 applies where a parent, guardian, or carer asks police whether a specific individual is a reportable offender because that person has unsupervised contact with their child.
If the enquiry relates to you, police may confirm your status as a reportable offender.
New Criminal Offences Under Daniel’s Law Queensland
Daniel’s Law also introduces new criminal offences, making it unlawful to:
- Intimidate or harass or engage in conduct that is likely to intimidate or harass a reportable offender
- Incite other persons to intimidate or harass or engage in conduct that is likely to intimidate or harass a reportable offender
- Share registry information that you are not legally authorised to disclose
Penalties for these offences carry maximum penalties of between 3-10 years imprisonment.
Key Implications for Reportable Offenders
Compliance Is More Important Than Ever
Failure to comply with reporting obligations may result in your personal information being published on a public register.
Given the seriousness of these consequences, every reporting obligation should be treated as critical.
Increased Risk of Public or Local Disclosure
Your identity may be disclosed even if you have been compliant.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 disclosures do not require a breach of reporting obligations. This makes it essential to understand how police assess risk and how your circumstances may be categorised.
Expanded Police Powers
Police now have broader powers to:
- Confirm where you live
- Require updated personal information
- Renew photographs
Conduct compliance checks
If you have previously been non-compliant or are considered higher risk, these checks may occur more frequently. Being prepared for increased police scrutiny can assist with ongoing compliance.
Administrative Decisions are Final
Unless it is deemed by the Supreme Court that a decision is affected by jurisdictional error, all disclosure of information is final and conclusive and cannot be subject to challenge or appeal. There is no obligation of the Police Commissioner to notify any person that may be affected by these decisions and provide them with the opportunity to make submissions to the Police Commissioner.
How to Protect Yourself Under Daniel’s Law Queensland
To reduce your risk and remain compliant:
- Report all changes to your circumstances immediately;
- Obtain legal advice and, where required, approval before moving, travelling, or changing employment; and
- Seek legal assistance immediately if you believe you may have breached a reporting obligation
Final Thoughts
Daniel’s Law represents one of the most significant changes to Queensland’s offender reporting regime in many years.
Public disclosure is now more likely, police powers are stronger, and the consequences of non-compliance are more serious than ever. If you are subject to reporting obligations, the most effective way to protect yourself is to understand your responsibilities, remain compliant, and seek legal advice whenever uncertainty arises.
Get Advice Early to Protect Your Position
If you are subject to reporting obligations, or believe you may be affected by Daniel’s Law Queensland, obtaining timely legal advice is critical. Early guidance can help you understand your obligations, avoid unintentional breaches, and respond appropriately to police enquiries or disclosure decisions.
Our criminal defence lawyers have experience advising clients on offender reporting requirements, compliance issues, and challenges to unlawful or incorrect disclosures. If you need confidential advice tailored to your circumstances, contact our team to arrange a consultation.
If you need help, contact us at:
Brisbane Office
📞 (07) 3221 4999
Gold Coast Office
📞 (07) 5532 3133
Lismore Office
📞 (02) 6616 2101
After Hours
📞0488 999 980