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ABC News
ABC News
National
state political reporter Rachel Riga and Ciara Jones

Security bolstered after alleged assault of teenage girl at housing for dangerous sex offenders at Wacol, in Brisbane's west

Security is being bolstered at housing for dangerous sex offenders after a man allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage girl.

The incident is alleged to have happened last month at supervised accommodation at Wacol, in the city's south-west. 

The man has been charged with several offences, including one relating to the making of child exploitation material.

The opposition questioned the state government about the matter in parliament and Police Minister Mark Ryan said while the matter was before the courts, he could confirm two reviews had been ordered into security operations around the precinct, including one by Queensland Corrective Services (QCS).

"I am advised that a review by an external body has already been completed and immediate measures by Queensland Corrective Services are being implemented," he said.

"A second review by the operational and major incident review group within the Professional Standards and Governance Command is also underway."

The command will report back to the QCS commissioner and police minister.

QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart said the alleged offender was subject to the Dangerous Prisoner (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (DPSOA) and had been returned to custody.

Commissioner Stewart said the "circumstances surrounding the alleged offences" were being investigated.

"We are also engaging with our stakeholders to see if there is more that can be done to prevent further instances of the nature alleged," he said.

"We've received a risk analysis of the contingency housing from an external agency and have a range of work already underway and planned to further improve the management of offenders."

That includes upgrades to fencing, lighting and CCTV.

Children would not be approved to enter the premises: commissioner

Shadow police minister Dale Last asked Mr Ryan what steps had been taken to ensure children were not brought onto the precinct.

Mr Ryan said as a result of the alleged incident security had been bolstered at the site.

"I immediately sought assurances from the QCS commissioner that the matter would be thoroughly reviewed and immediate steps put into place," he said.

"As a result of one of those reviews, action is underway to increase security at that precinct.

"This is additional improvements, on top of improvements that the government has been making to that precinct since being elected."

Commissioner Stewart said offenders living in contingency housing can have visitors, if approved and properly supervised, but children would not be approved to enter the premises.

"Our people provide stringent levels of monitoring, supervising and managing the individuals whilst they're on orders," he said.

He said 213 people were currently supervised under the DPSOA and 144 were being managed in the community, including in contingency housing.

"Our officers take the supervision of these offenders incredibly seriously," he said.

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