Tasmanian Labor calls for maximum life sentences for child sex crimes

Labor justice spokeswoman Ella Haddad said the government's approach to impose minimum mandatory sentences for these offences did not go far enough.

The government has attacked Labor for the better part of two years for their position against mandatory sentencing and this move will be seen to counter the view the Opposition is soft on crime.

"Labor is absolutely committed to protecting the safety of Tasmanian children," Ms Haddad said.

"The problem with the Liberals' bill is that it enshrines sentences that are shorter than those that are already being implemented by the courts.

"A report from the Sentencing Advisory Council reveals that offenders are receiving sentences that are, on average, more severe than the two and four year minimums specified in the Hodgman government's bill."

Labor's legislative changes will only be acted upon if the party was to win government in 2022.

The changes would allow for maximum life sentences to be applied to offenders convicted of sexual offences against a child and there would be presumptive non-parole periods for child sex-offenders.

Two new offences would be introduced into the Criminal Code: aggravated sexual intercourse with a young person and maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person in circumstances of aggression.

The Liberals want to impose a minimum four-year sentence for the rape of someone under 17 years old, the same sentence for maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person in aggravating circumstances, and two years' imprisonment for sexual intercourse with a young person.