A Tasmanian man is expected to appear in Launceston Magistrates Court today 29 August, charged with possessing child abuse material. A search warrant was executed at his South Launceston home today 29 August, , with investigators allegedly finding child abuse material on electronic devices. The devices will be subject to further forensic examination.
AFP Detective Sergeant Aaron Hardcastle said the AFP, together with its state and territory law enforcement partners, remained committed to protecting our community's most vulnerable. The man was charged with one count of possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service, contrary to section The maximum penalty for the offences is 15 years' imprisonment.
The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the ACCCE is driving a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse. The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
Research conducted by the ACCCE in revealed only about half of parents talked to their children about online safety. Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at the ThinkUKnow website, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation. The correct legal term is Child Abuse Material β the move to this wording was among amendments to Commonwealth legislation in to more accurately reflect the gravity of the crimes and the harm inflicted on victims.
