'Anyone who commits these offences against first responders and frontline workers should face serious consequences – not a slap on the wrist'
The Tasmanian government has introduced a new bill that seeks to impose at least six months of jail time against individuals convicted of assaulting frontline workers.
Under the Sentencing Amendment (Presumptive Sentencing for Assaults on Frontline Workers) Bill 2024, a minimum sentencing presumption for assaults and other offences causing bodily harm against frontline workers will be introduced.
It aims to cover frontline health, safety, and emergency services workers, correctional services officers, retail, hospitality, and passenger transport workers, according to the Tasmanian government.
"What this presumption of minimum sentencing terms will do is ensure there is an absolute minimum floor for sentencing these crimes which cannot be breached without very strong reasons why," Justice Minister Guy Barnett said in a statement.
The provision will not apply to offenders under the age of 18 at the time the crime was committed, as well as those who have impaired mental functioning that is causally linked to the crime.
It will also not apply when the court finds that such punishment would be unjust given the circumstances of the offence or the offender.
The government is seeking public opinion on the bill, which can be submitted on its website until March 29.
Assault against frontliners
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The new bill comes amid a growing number of assault cases committed against frontline individuals in Australia.
In the retail sector alone, 92% of retailers have experienced or have had a team member experience verbal or physical assault while at work, according to the Australian Retailers Association.
Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, said Tasmania's legislation will send a clear message on the government's position against assaulting frontline workers.
"The Rockliff Liberal Government is sending a clear message that assaults and serious offences against our health and emergency services, retail, hospitality and transportation workers are not OK."
"The people of Tasmania demand that anyone who commits these offences against first responders and frontline workers should face serious consequences – not a slap on the wrist," Ellis said.