In Tasmania, the age of consent is set at 17, but there are similar age defence caveats. These similar age laws do not absorb the year the consent definitions change. They are defined by:

12 or under (I propose it changes to absorb the 12th year) 
15 or older (I propose it changes to the 15th year) 
17 or older 

This is particularly difficult when non consensual sexual activity occurs. It provides a larger gap where  child has to prove non consent, and a larger gap for offenders to have as their defence. 

The current similar age laws in Tasmania are:

If you’re under 12, a person can’t have sex with you, touch you sexually or perform a sexual act in front of you, even if you agree. The law says you’re too young to consent to sex.
If you’re between 12 and 15 years old, a person can’t have sex with you, touch you sexually or perform a sexual act in front of you if they are more than three years older than you, even if you agree
If you’re 15 years or older, a person can’t have sex with you, touch you sexually or perform a sexual act in front of you, if they are more than five years older than you, even if you agree
If you’re 17 years or older, you can consent to have sex with anyone else 17 years or older, as long as the other person is not in a position of authority – like a carer, coach, teacher, employer, or anybody else with authority over you.

I propose it changes to:

If you’re under 13, a person can’t have sex with you, touch you sexually or perform a sexual act in front of you, even if you agree. The law says you’re too young to consent to sex
(Up until a child’s 13th birthday) 

If you’re between 13 and 16 years old, a person can’t have sex with you, touch you sexually or perform a sexual act in front of you if they are more than three years older than you, even if you agree
(Up until a child’s 16th birthday) 

If you’re 16 years or older, a person can’t have sex with you, touch you sexually or perform a sexual act in front of you, if they are more than five years older than you, even if you agree
(Up until a child’s 17th birthday)

By closing the current gap, Tasmania can better safeguard its youth. This small legal adjustment can substantially impact preventing traumatic experiences for teenagers and holding offenders accountable without placing the onus on young victims to prove non consent. 

Please join me in demanding that the Tasmanian government takes urgent action to protect its young citizens by updating the consent laws to be fairer and more inclusive, and similar to a majority of other states. Sign this petition to make a crucial change in our legal framework and create a safer environment for all adolescents.