‘Don’t beat yourself up’ – the advice on sexual fantasies about children that sparked a row over Albanese’s $9.6million prevention scheme

Stop It Now! Australia, a taxpayer-funded service intended to help people at risk of sexually abusing children seek support before offending, has drawn criticism over language on its website. Opposition child protection spokesman Matt O'Sullivan says some advice could downplay abuse and has urged the government to remove the material, while a child protection researcher argues that early intervention can prevent harm.

One module tells readers not to “beat yourself up” over sexual fantasies about children and suggests strategies such as walking or journalling. The service began as a pilot in 2022 and became a federally funded national scheme in April 2026; the government committed A$9.6 million to establish it, with A$4 million in annual funding. The Attorney-General’s office says the service follows recommendations from the 2017 Royal Commission, while experts say it should connect callers to specialist support.