Government cracks down on senseless assaults on emergency services

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts has welcomed tough new penalties for people who assault emergency services staff and volunteers.

The new penalties have been introduced as part of wide-ranging amendments to the Queensland Criminal Code passed last night in Parliament.

Mr Roberts said the changes to the legislation shows the Government has listened to strong representations from the Liquor Hospitality Miscellaneous Union and the United Firefighter’s Union about assaults against ambulance officers and fire fighters.

“There have been some very recent examples in the news of senseless attacks against ambulance officers and firefighters,” Mr Roberts said.

“These attacks have underlined the importance of stronger penalties against those who harm emergency services staff and volunteers _ who spend their time trying to help people.”

Mr Roberts said the strong new laws would provide further protection for ambulance officers, firefighters, State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Brigade volunteers and honorary ambulance officers.

“These new provisions will ensure emergency services staff and volunteers who are attacked in the course of their duties will now be afforded the same level of protection as a police or prison officer,” he said.

“Those who commit these senseless attacks will be liable for a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.

“Assaults against emergency services workers are serious incidents and will now be viewed as serious assaults in the eyes of the law.”

Mr Roberts added that it was disappointing to see the Shadow Minister had nothing to add to the debate on this important legislation.

“In Question Time this week the Member for Mirani asked me what the Government was doing to protect ambulance officers from assaults, and then didn’t even have the good grace to show up in the debate.”

Minister’s Office Contact – Jessica Lawrence (07) 3247 8992