Published Thursday, 17 January, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Alleged Attack Abhorrent: Fraser
Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser today condemned an alleged attack on two ambulance officers in Townsville while they were treating a female patient.
One officer suffered facial injuries and another severe bruising following the attack at a private residence at about 3.30am.
The officers were allegedly attacked while protecting the patient by an 18-year-old male who has been arrested and charged with assault and obstructing an ambulance officer.
A 43-year-old woman has also been charged with obstructing an ambulance officer.
“For someone to attack two people who are simply doing their job is both cowardly and abhorrent,” Mr Fraser said.
“Most Queenslanders respect ambulance officers and are thankful for their skills and professionalism.
“Yet there remain some who have no admiration or understanding of the vital community service these officers perform day in day out.”
Mr Fraser said the Government has commenced a review of the law covering serious assault offences against ambulance officers.
Legislation currently applies to the serious assault of police officers, including biting and spitting and offenders can face jail terms of up to seven years.
Media Contact: Chris Ward 0418 424 654
17 January 2008
One officer suffered facial injuries and another severe bruising following the attack at a private residence at about 3.30am.
The officers were allegedly attacked while protecting the patient by an 18-year-old male who has been arrested and charged with assault and obstructing an ambulance officer.
A 43-year-old woman has also been charged with obstructing an ambulance officer.
“For someone to attack two people who are simply doing their job is both cowardly and abhorrent,” Mr Fraser said.
“Most Queenslanders respect ambulance officers and are thankful for their skills and professionalism.
“Yet there remain some who have no admiration or understanding of the vital community service these officers perform day in day out.”
Mr Fraser said the Government has commenced a review of the law covering serious assault offences against ambulance officers.
Legislation currently applies to the serious assault of police officers, including biting and spitting and offenders can face jail terms of up to seven years.
Media Contact: Chris Ward 0418 424 654
17 January 2008