Queensland police will have greater powers to inspect the digital devices of child sex offenders under proposed laws.
The state government says the legislation, to be introduced to parliament this week, will allow police to enter the residence of a reportable offender to undertake a digital device inspection.
"This will go a very long way to evening the playing field," Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark told reporters on Sunday.
"At the moment our power of entry is in relation to confirming reportable offender's personal details.
"When it comes to a device inspection, we do not have that current power. We have to do it with the consent of the person, or we have to do it outside the premises."
Police Minister Mark Ryan said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic authorities had continued to identify new technology used by offenders to target children.
"It is a very alarming and disturbing trend," he said.
"Advanced anonymising software exists, such as virtual private networks and hidden phone applications, allowing these predators to remain invisible online."
The proposed laws would require reportable offenders to disclose their use of anonymising software and vault and black hole applications, as well as unique identifiers assigned to their digital networks.
A new offence, with penalties of up to five years' jail for failing to comply with a requirement to produce a digital device for a device inspection, would also be introduced.
"These offenders are the lowest of the low and I am determined they'll have nowhere to hide," Mr Ryan said.
