The Tasmanian Government is cracking down on offenders who boast about their criminal activity online or on social media, with the Sentencing Amendment (Publication of Criminal Activity) Bill 2026 introduced into the House of Assembly.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Guy Barnett, said the Bill cracks down on offenders using social media and other electronic platforms to boast about criminal behaviour.
“We are sending a strong message that criminal behaviour, and a culture of boasting about criminal behaviour, will not be tolerated in Tasmania and there will be consequences for this behaviour,” the Attorney-General said.
“Our community expects people who commit serious offences to be held accountable, and that includes those who choose to use social media to boast about their offending, intimidate victims or encourage further harm.
“The legislation will introduce a new aggravating factor for courts to consider when sentencing offenders who publish material that boasts about or glorifies their criminal activity online.
“This includes posts shared on platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and other social media channels.
“This delivers on the Government’s commitment under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future to strengthen sentencing laws and better protect victims.”
The new laws will apply where an offender electronically publishes, or causes the publication of, statements, images or videos relating to an offence or its victim.
Courts will consider whether the material would be reasonably viewed as humiliating, intimidating or victimising a victim, or whether it was intended to boast about, glorify or promote the offending.
The Bill also includes a requirement for the reforms to be reviewed after five years to ensure they continue to operate effectively.
“This is a measured and sensible reform that strengthens our sentencing laws, supports victims and sends a clear message that those who seek attention or status by broadcasting their crimes online will be held accountable,” the Attorney-General said.
