The Explanatory Memo for the Bill states
The proposed amendment potentially impacts on the rights and liberties of individuals by imposing a higher maximum penalty for the offence and therefore exposes an offender to greater punishment than was authorised by the former law. The amendment is justified to appropriately reflect the seriousness of the offence and the community's abhorrence of such conduct. The amendment operates prospectively and will only apply to offenders who commit the offence on, or after, the date upon which the amendments commence.
