The Queensland Parliament has passed legislation which amends the terminology for certain sexual offences. The changes which have taken effect from 22 February 2023 are as follows:-
- The expression “Carnal Knowledge” is now replaced with “Penile Intercourse”.
- The expression “Maintaining a sexual relationship with a child” is now replaced with “Repeated sexual conduct with a child”.
Each of the changes adopt a more modern plain English approach which is more consistent to terminology used in the other states and territories of Australia.
The changes which should improve understanding of sexual offence terminology, are not expected to change the nature or scope of the offences.
