People who attack heathcare workers will face tougher penalties under laws to be introduced by the Victorian government this week.
Offenders who assault doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists and other healthcare professionals could now go to jail for up to six months, double the time faced for assault on other victims.
The government earlier this year moved to increase penalties for attacking health workers who were administering emergency care, along with police officers, firefighters and lifesavers on duty.
But the new laws will apply to all registered health practitioners wherever they are working, including on home visits.
“The caring role of our healthcare workers should be respected,” Health Minister David Davis said.