26 November 2025
Guy Barnett, Attorney-General
The Dangerous Criminals and High Risk Offenders Amendment Bill 2025 has passed the second reading in the Legislative Council.
Attorney-General, Guy Barnett, said our Government is delivering for Tasmania when it comes to public safety.
“This Bill reflects our Government’s commitment to throw the book at those who commit the most abhorrent of crimes,” the Attorney said.
“The importance of protecting the Tasmanian community from dangerous criminals cannot be understated.
“I would like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to make a submission and provide their valuable feedback.
“Our Government will continue to work hand in hand with the community to enhance public safety and protect vulnerable Tasmanians."
The Bill makes the following amendments to the Dangerous Criminals and High Risk Offenders Act 2021 in relation to the making and operation of HRO orders:
- Provide that, when making an HRO order, the Supreme Court may order that the offender is detained for a period of up to seven days beyond the day on which the offender would cease to be in custody, if the Court is satisfied that such a period of time is required to make arrangements to give effect to the conditions imposed under the HRO order;
- Clarify that a conviction for attempting to commit a serious offence (a crime that is listed in Schedule 1 to the Act) is considered to be a conviction for a serious offence for purposes of the Act. This means that an offender may be considered eligible for an HRO order where they have been convicted for attempting one of these crimes;
- Expand the list of serious offences within Schedule 1 to the Act to include additional sexual offences relating to children and young people. This enables a risk assessment to be made under the Act in relation to offenders who are convicted of these crimes, and they may be considered for an HRO order application; and
- Clarify that the operational period of a HRO order is not extended when that order is suspended for a period.