The Morning Edition The sex offenders being protected under secretive orders
Dec 9, 2025
In this fascinating discussion, senior reporter Chris Vedelago delves into the hidden risks of post-sentence supervision orders in Victoria. He reveals alarming cases of monitored sex offenders who have reoffended, including a gripping account of Theo Briggs' violent spree. Chris examines the legal barriers preventing public awareness and challenges the veil of secrecy protecting offenders. He raises critical questions about transparency and whether anonymity should be sacrificed to enhance community safety. The conversation highlights the urgent need for reform in the justice system.
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What Supervision Orders Do
- Supervision orders are post‑sentence court measures that restrict where and how convicted sex offenders live and move.
- They attach conditions like GPS or alcohol monitoring to create a "ring fence" around high‑risk individuals.
How The Investigation Began
- Chris Vedelago followed a case after police asked media to remove coverage of a captured registered sex offender.
- That led him to court and to the realization the law prevented routine reporting on these proceedings.
Secrecy Built Into The Law
- The Serious Offenders Act creates broad reporting prohibitions around post‑sentence hearings.
- Chris found the law rarely gets challenged and there was minimal precedent for media access in Victoria.