Sentencing for historical child sexual abuse is to be brought into line with current standards.

The proposed legislation is in response to the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse.

It will also increase the maximum penalty to life behind bars for persistent paedophiles.

Attorney General Mark Speakman tells Ray they’re ensuring current standards apply to all cases.

“What has happened over time is that courts, like the general community, have realised more and more the horrific lifelong effect that child  sexual abuse has had.

“Sentences have steadily increased for more recent offences but historical offences are still being treated relatively leniently on standards that applied many years ago.”

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