Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Tasmania Police arrested an alleged recidivist online child sex predator following a joint two-week covert operation. The police charged the arrested 57-year-old Hobart man with accessing child abuse material on his smartphone. Police officials were monitoring the man's behaviour since his release from prison, in a similar case, in June 2013.

On Friday, following information, the police raided his house and searched his car. They allegedly found child abuse material on his smartphone. The man has been charged under various sections of the Criminal Code Act, offences that carry sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment.

Previously, in March 2012, the man had pleaded guilty on 66 counts of accessing and possessing child exploitation material and was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with a three-year good behaviour bond.

Concerned about his behaviour in prison, police had deemed him as a high risk to children.

After his release from prison, the AFP commenced a joint operation with Tasmania Police. On August 19, law enforcement officials began the covert surveillance operation to track his behaviour.

Following the arrest, AFP Manager Cyber Crime Operations Glen McEwen said allegations of re-offenders are taken seriously. He said the arrest, demonstrated authorities' willingness to take strong action, to monitor and ensure that those previously charged and convicted with child exploitation offences are not re-offending.

"Those who contemplate continuing this abhorrent behaviour will be pursued relentlessly to ensure the safety of our children," Commander McEwan said in the press release.

"This investigation highlights the outstanding work that our officers working with our state colleagues do every day to combat child sexual exploitation and remove offenders from the community."

This arrest comes just days before the start of National Child Protection Week, an annual event aiming to raise awareness that the wellbeing and safety of children is everyone's responsibility.

The theme for this year's campaign is "Protecting children is everybody's business; play your part"

Commander McEwen said the exploitation of children is a global issue. He called upon the community to play their part in reporting any concerns to the police regarding the abuse of children who are the most vulnerable members in our community.