People who assault nurses, doctors and paramedics will face up to 14 years in prison under tough new Queensland laws.
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said thousands of health workers are punched, stabbed, bitten and spat on every year in Queensland during their daily duties.
“Assaults, whether they are physical or verbal, on our health workers will not be tolerated and the Queensland Government is appalled that even one nurse, doctor or paramedic is attacked,” he said.
“It is inexcusable and shameful behaviour.”
More than 24,500 health care employees have reported being a victim of a violent incident at work in the past five financial years.
More than 4,400 health workers in the last financial year alone were victims of violence in their workplace.
“If you think it is okay to assault our health workers, we’ll give you up to 14 years to think again,” Mr Springborg said.
“It is simply not acceptable and that is why we have doubled the penalty.”
The laws were introduced as part of the Government’s Safe Night Out Strategy.