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‘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.
In short
- A taxpayer-funded prevention service faces criticism over its website’s wording.
- The government committed A$9.6 million to establish the service.
- Experts say early intervention and specialist support can help prevent abuse.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
People concerned about sexual thoughts involving children may be more likely to seek help if guidance avoids shaming them, and early support could reduce the risk of abuse. Supporters argue the scheme follows the Royal Commission’s prevention recommendations and should connect callers with specialist services before anyone is harmed.
The case against
Critics argue that telling readers not to “beat yourself up” risks sounding dismissive of the seriousness of sexual abuse and could weaken a clear focus on children’s safety. They say taxpayer-funded advice should be carefully framed, with explicit safeguards and specialist support, and that material which may minimise the issue should be removed or revised.
Explained simply
Stop It Now! Australia is a confidential support service for people worried they might sexually harm a child. It aims to help them seek support before abuse occurs, and offers advice and referrals to specialist help.
The service began as a pilot in 2022 and became a national scheme in April 2026, backed by federal funding. Its approach reflects recommendations from Australia’s 2017 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which examined how institutions could better protect children.
The dispute centres on how the service talks about sexual fantasies involving children and whether its guidance is appropriate. It raises questions about how to encourage people to seek help early while keeping children’s safety at the centre.