The Victorian Liberals and Nationals are taking action to protect emergency services workers by closing a loophole in existing legislation that has left them at unacceptable risk.
Under existing Victorian law, a person who injures an emergency services worker faces a minimum jail term of six months.
However, if a paramedic, nurse or other frontline worker is assaulted during a break during a shift, the law may not adequately protect them due to a loophole in the legal definition of "on-duty".
In response to this failing, the Allan Labor Government has commissioned a review that will not report back until June 2027 - leaving this loophole open for up to two years.
Emergency services workers deserve better and today, the Victorian Liberals and Nationals will introduce new laws into the Parliament to close this loophole now.
Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, said: "Labor's botched laws have left emergency services workers at unacceptable risk - but my team has a plan to fix it.
"Our laws will close the loophole in the existing legislation and ensure workers are protected throughout their entire shift.
"This issue should be above politics. My team is ready to work constructively with the Parliament to pass these laws and get stronger protections for nurses, ambos, firies and police in place now."
Shadow Attorney-General, James Newbury, said: "Victorians do not need another review. They need action.
"Labor has sat on their hands and by further delaying necessary reforms, they are placing emergency services workers at risk.
"Our laws provide a simple solution to close this loophole now. The Allan Labor Government and Parliament must vote in support of these laws."
