Residents in Perth are outraged that a dangerous sex offender, whose crimes include molesting young girls, has been freed from prison and could come into contact with children.
Alwyn Wayne Brown, 44, was declared a dangerous sex offender five years ago, but on Thursday, WA Supreme Court Justice Peter Martino said Brown could be released from jail on a five-year supervision order with strict conditions.
Justice Martino noted Brown was taking anti-libidinal medication and a medical expert had suggested if Brown remained in custody, there was a risk of a setback in the progress he had achieved.
The state opposition held a rally on Sunday, calling on the WA government to review the dangerous sex offender laws, and collected hundreds of signatures.
Mother Katie Attwell, whose children are aged four and seven, told AAP that people were worried Brown could be living near them and come into contact with their children and re-offend.
"This issue gets people right in the guts," she said.
"People feel really let down by the system."
Ms Attwell said she believed sex offenders could be rehabilitated and said she would be placated if the community was being engaged about Brown's release conditions.
"The community has really mobilised around the issue as this man is a known predator and a known abductor," she said.
Member for Willagee Peter Tinley told AAP that while the Liberal government "talked a good fight" they had not yet introduced any reforms.
He said the government had its priorities out of order, noting that parliament was debating vandalism last week, which was important but did not compare to a much bigger community safety issue.
Premier Colin Barnett told parliament last week there were "complexities" with the legislation, but it was intended that it would be introduced during this session of parliament.
Attorney-General Michael Mischin said on Sunday the Director of Public Prosecutions was making inquiries about whether the 51 conditions of Brown's release could be made public.
He said it was "disturbing" that Mr Tinley seemed to be inciting fear for political purposes.
"He is being irresponsible, or ignorant, or both if he is telling his constituents that the government is able to intervene to override a judge's decision," Mr Mischin said.
"Courts do not consult with the community before they make orders according to law, nor can a government ignore a court order pending some sort of consultation."
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