Abstract: The report provides an overview of the socio-political factors and events that have influenced the development of Australia’s child sexual abuse legislation from 1788-2013.
Key developments in relevant legislation during this period which are discussed in detail in the report include:
the decriminalisation of homosexual acts between consenting males
the removal of gendered language from legislation to enable the law to deal with matters involving male victims, female offenders and same sex offences
broadening the definition of sexual intercourse
introduction of specific legislation relating to child pornography
introduction of mandatory reporting laws
