The CLP Government is protecting workers from violent attacks by introducing minimum mandatory sentences for cowardly assaults on police, paramedics, nurses, doctors, teachers, corrections officers, retail and hospitality workers, bus and taxi drivers, and any other NT worker who is undertaking work in accordance with their duties.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the reforms, to be introduced, debated and passed in the first sittings of Parliament starting next Tuesday, aligned with community expectations.
The proposed legislation acts as a deterrence, and sends a clear message that the CLP Government supports all Territory workers, who deserve to be safe at work.
“Territorians at work, especially our frontline workers, should be protected. With stronger laws, we intend to send a message that it will not be tolerated,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
“There will be new minimum mandatory sentences for assaults on both frontline workers like police and ambos, and for assaulting anyone while at work.
“This includes making spitting on a frontline worker trigger a three-month minimum mandatory sentence.
“Spitting on, punching, kicking or biting police and Territory workers should result in a mandatory minimum sentence, not a get out of gaol free card.”
“We committed to mandatory community service and have strengthened the laws to ensure that a person who is convicted of assaulting a frontline worker must undertake community work at a minimum.”
The CLP’s proposed changes mean:
Assaults on police or emergency workers involving physical harm, or spitting on a frontline worker, will carry a mandatory minimum sentence of three months’ imprisonment, including for first-time offenders. Currently, no mandatory minimum exists for spitting.Assaults on police or emergency workers without physical harm will result in a mandatory Community Correction Order, even for first-time offenders. Currently, no mandatory minimum applies.Assaults on workers where physical harm is caused and the offender has a prior conviction for a violent offence, will now carry a mandatory minimum sentence of a term of actual imprisonment. Currently, no mandatory minimum applies.Assaults on workers by a first-time offender where physical harm is caused, will attract a mandatory Community Correction Order. Currently, no mandatory minimum exists.
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said: “The CLP will end the escalating and unsustainable levels of violence and abuse against Territory workers, and put the rights of workers above the rights of offenders.”
“There must be consequences for actions and that is why the CLP is introducing legislative reform in line with our election commitments to address five key areas: Declan’s Law, mandatory minimum sentencing for assaults on Territory workers, ram-raids and ‘posting and boasting’, nuisance public drinking and lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility,” said Ms Boothby.
“Our government is ready to go for Parliamentary sittings starting next Tuesday and will deliver on the laws Territorians voted for at the August election.”
St John Ambulance NT Director Ambulance Services Andrew Thomas said: “We hope the proposed mandatory sentencing laws for assaults on workers will serve as a stronger deterrent to would-be offenders.”
“The St John Ambulance ‘Hands Off – Give Our Paramedics Space to Save Lives’ campaign is clear enough, yet some people in the community still aren’t getting the message. Paramedics are there to help, not to be assaulted,” he said.
“Over the past 12 months there have been more than 140 reported incidents of physical and sexual assault towards St John NT staff, averaging one incident per operational paramedic.
“Additionally, ambulance vehicles have been damaged and removed from operation, impacting on our ability to respond to community needs.
“Frontline workers must be able to do their jobs safely and without interruption. Assaulting them is never acceptable.”
