The LNP will stand up for our hard working frontline emergency services workers such as police, paramedics and firefighters who don’t deserve to be assaulted on the job.
LNP Leader Tim Nicholls used his address at the Queensland Police Union Conference in Brisbane today to announce mandatory jail time for people found guilty of assaulting frontline emergency services workers.
“We believe it’s fundamentally important to do more to protect those who protect us,” Mr Nicholls said.
“They put their lives on the line for Queenslanders, the least we can do is to do more to protect them.
“Under an LNP Government, those convicted of serious assault of police, ambos or firies will serve a mandatory minimum sentence of seven days behind bars.
“In other words – mandatory jail time – no ifs, no buts and no more excuses.
“This is about sending a strong and clear message to the community – if you assault our frontline emergency services workers, you will be jailed.”
Mr Nicholls said an LNP Government would also create a new offence under the Ambulance Service Act 1991 of assaulting or obstructing a paramedic or other authorised officer, similar to the existing offence for police officers.
“Our hard working emergency services workers have a tough enough job protecting the community, they don’t need the added worry of being physically attacked on the job and being treated like a punching bag,” he said.
“Only the LNP has the experience, energy and track record of standing up for victims of crime and ensuring strong penalties act as a deterrent and protect Queenslanders from violence.”
LNP Shadow Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Tim Mander said there had been repeated calls to strengthen penalties and deter acts of violence, but this do-nothing Labor government had refused to listen.
“The increasing number of violent incidents is a real concern and it’s clear that strong action is needed to protect those who protect us,” Mr Mander said.
“Labor’s softly, softly approach is failing frontline emergency workers.
“Statistics released by Paramedics Australia show physical attacks across Queensland have increased by almost 20 per cent compared with five years ago.
“In the first four months of this year, 176 ambulance officers have been assaulted across Queensland alone.
“Stronger penalties may actively deter people from committing the offence in the first place.
“The LNP is committed to building safe and liveable communities – and our frontline emergency services workers play a vital role in that.”
