AHISA SUBMISSION

The Hon Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia

22 March 2021

Legislation of age verification for access to online pornography sites 

Following many references to the influence of online pornography on adolescent sexual behaviours in published testimonies and related public debate on sexual assault and consent, AHISA wrote to the Prime Minister advocating that the Government legislate age verification for access to online pornography sites.

AHISA first recommended age verification for access to online pornography in 2016, in its submission to the parliamentary Inquiry into Harm to Australian Children from Access to Online Pornography . In 2020, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs recommended that access to both online pornography and wagering should be restricted through mandatory age verification.

AHISA’s letter to the Prime Minister acknowledged that a multi-faceted, whole-of-community response is required to protect young people from online harm, but noted that the Government has the power to address a significant contributor to the problem. The letter was copied to relevant Government ministers and Social Policy and Legal Affairs Standing Committee members. 

Legislation of age verification for access to online pornography sites – FULL LETTER