Each time The Examiner publishes a story about a sex offence in Tasmania, whether it involves the possession of child exploitation material or the indecent assault of a minor, the reaction is instantaneous and predictable. Alongside anger and disgust comes a familiar demand from comments sent to us, or on social media: Name them. Shame them, show their faces. Why? So the community can "deal" with them.

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I get it, it's an understandable instinct. When harm is done, particularly to children, the desire for visible accountability is visceral. Following through on that instinct might make those who love people who were harmed feel something. But would satisfying that instinct serve justice, or protect the community?

The stories we publish on sex offenders shake public confidence and invite the question: why can't we have a more transparent system?

The answer lies in how Tasmania's legislation and, more broadly, our nation balances transparency with control.

Our mechanism, the Community Protection Offender Register, is not public. It is a law enforcement tool designed to monitor offenders and prevent further harm. Social media critics argue that secrecy leaves communities exposed, and that's a compelling........

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