Victoria's chief commissioner says there is no evidence a public register of convicted sex offenders would improve community safety.
The former broadcaster used his maiden speech in the Senate on Monday to vow he would not give up until such a register was set up.
But Victoria Police's chief commissioner Graham Ashton insists "there's no specific evidence that says public listings provide an additional layer in relation to public safety".
If the existing register was made public "that just provides the community with transparency about knowing where they are so people can make their own decision about the way they live their lives", the chief commissioner told 3AW.
"But the experts tell me there's no relationship to public safety in terms of having a list.
"It's just a question for the community as to whether they believe they have a right to know."
Mr Ashton said the number of people on the Victorian register of sex offenders, which can only be accessed with police authorisation, is over 6000 and growing.
"The amount of police effort to try and keep track and monitor these people is significant," he said on Tuesday.
"That's a day-in, day-out 24/7 activity."
The state's top cop admitted as more people were added to the register "the more and more the opportunities are that we can get offending that we don't pick up".
