The Tasmanian Government is taking strong action, today introducing legislation into Parliament to better protect Tasmania’s frontline workers.
If passed, those who cause serious bodily harm to Tasmania’s frontline workers will be facing a presumption of a minimum of six months imprisonment for the offence.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said that this was a strong step to better protecting Tasmanians in their workplace.
“We have heard of horrific instances of bus drivers being spat on and physically injured, our nurses punched, and young retail workers assaulted across Tasmania,” the Attorney-General said.
“The fact of the matter is, this is completely unacceptable, these are Tasmanians simply trying to do their job.
“Today, we have introduced our legislation which seeks to introduce the presumption of a minimum sentence of six months’ imprisonment for those that would cause serious bodily harm to Tasmania’s frontline workers.
“This is an important component of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, and we have proudly delivered on it within our first 100 days of Government.”
The Sentencing Amendment (Presumptive Sentencing for Assaults on Frontline Workers) Bill 2024 will amend the Sentencing Act 1997 to provide for a presumption of minimum sentencing in relation to offences causing serious bodily harm to certain frontline workers.
This list of frontline workers includes:
- Child safety officers;
- Correctional services officers;
- Emergency services officers, like firefighters;
- Health and safety officers;
- Public officers;
- Retail or hospitality workers;
- Security officers, like those at licensed venues; and
- Transport workers.
