Travel ban welcomed

GOLD Coast child protection advocate Hetty Johnston has applauded proposed legislation that would prevent convicted child sex offenders from travelling abroad.

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop and Justice Minister Michael Keenan have flagged permanently barring Australia’s 20,000 registered child sex offenders from travelling overseas.

Mrs Johnston, the founder and executive chair of Arundel-based Bravehearts, applauded the decision.

“It has been a long time coming but we welcome this news,” she said.

“We have seen too many horrific outcomes when these dangerous offenders are allowed to travel overseas.”